Elder abuse among older persons in a local government area in southwest Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Elder abuse is a major but subtle social problem affecting millions of older adults globally. Nigeria, a developing nation with about 4% of her 200000000 population being older persons is not left out. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of elder abuse in Oye Ekiti Local Government, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 275 consenting seniors residing in households located in Oye Ekiti Local Government Area was conducted. A correlational matrix was constructed using Pearson correlational coefficients to determine the association between the various sociodemographic characteristics and abuse. Results: Most respondents were males (62.5%) and aged 65 to 74 years (66.9%). Financial abuse was the most prevalent form of abuse (13.8%). The prevalence of abuse increased with age and 15.8% of those aged 65–74 years had suffered a form of abuse compared to (37.5%) aged 85 years and above (OR=3.21, CI: 1.28 – 8.02, P=0.001). Low income and poor formal education were more associated with abuse. Conclusion: Targeted measures and policies should be employed against elder abuse, especially among the oldest old.

Keywords

• abuse
• elderly
• nigeria
• older persons