Risk factors for elder abuse in the Global South: a case study in northeastern Colombia

Elder abuse has become a neglected public health issue and represents one of the most significant challenges for the older population. In response, this study identified risk factors for elder abuse based on the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of a sample of older adults.

A cross-sectional study with a correlational scope was conducted to evaluate 543 older adults from northeastern Colombia. The Elder Abuse Scale, Barthel Index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale were applied. Data analysis was performed using binomial logit models.

The identified risk factors for physical abuse included being single, symptoms of depression, and expected cognitive performance. For psychological abuse, depressive symptoms, being divorced/separated or in a common-law relationship, being female, and high trait anxiety test scores were identified as risk factors. For neglect, being a Jehovah's Witness, having depressive symptoms, living in urban areas, and having a suspected neurocognitive disorder were identified as risk factors. Lastly, the risk factors for financial abuse were suspected neurocognitive disorder, depressive symptoms, being in a common-law relationship or single, and being employed.

Overall, the protective factors highlighted were not practicing religion, functional independence, and living with relatives in urban areas.