Examining the severity of disability and vulnerability among older adults and its impact on elder abuse: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Disability and vulnerability are among the consequences of aging. This stage of life can be associated with the abuse of older adults by others. The present study aimed to examine the severity of disability and vulnerability among older adults and its impact on elder abuse in older adults residing in Jiroft County, southern Iran, in 2024. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 older adult individuals. The data collection tools included standardized questionnaires on disability, vulnerability, and elder abuse. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression with SPSS version 23 at a significance level 0.05. The mean scores for the severity of disability, vulnerability, and elder abuse among the older adult participants were 98.34 ± 7.56 out of 144, 9.75 ± 3.08 out of 15, and 12.01 ± 3.55 out of 49, respectively, indicating a moderate level of disability, a high level of vulnerability, and a low level of elder abuse. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between elder abuse and the severity of disability (r = 0.821, p < 0.001) as well as vulnerability (r = 0.795, p < 0.001) among older adults. According to the results of multiple linear regression, disability components-including disability in performing activities of daily living, self-care, walking, understanding and communication, lack of self-employment, interaction with others, and participation in social activities-and vulnerability components-including physical, psychological, and social vulnerability-were identified as predictors of elder abuse (P < 0.05). Among the older adult participants, disability was estimated at a moderate level, vulnerability at a high level, and elder abuse at a low level. Based on the results, disability, and vulnerability were identified as predictors of elder abuse, with an increase in these two variables leading to a rise in elder abuse. Therefore, the formulation of supportive policies and their implementation, especially in empowering and promoting self-care among older adults, is recommended. Additionally, attention should be paid to the psychological and social aspects of older adults, and providing a suitable living environment for this age group by all responsible individuals, from family members to municipal authorities, is suggested.

Keywords: Aging; Elder abuse; Iran; Social vulnerability.

Fig. 1

Conceptual model of the research (created by the researchers).