Social and Psychological Determinants of Elder Abuse among Urban Community-Dwelling in Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract

Elder abuse is a relatively under-researched social issue in Pakistan, where family-based living arrangements are traditionally believed to keep older adults safe. The present study examines the social and psychological determinants of elder abuse among urban community dwelling living with their families in Dera Ghazi Khan Division, Pakistan. A cross-sectional research design was adopted that is quantitative in nature. The structured interview schedule was used and data were collected from 384 respondents aged 60 years and above. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from eight urban union councils in Tehsil Muzaffargarh and Tehsil Layyah. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to test relationships between elder abuse and its related factors using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson Correlation and linear regression. The results indicated that the prevalence rate emotional abuse was high among elder people. Findings indicated that social isolation, lack of social participation and loneliness were the key predictors of elder abuse among older adults. The study concluded that elder abuse is a multidimensional and structural problem that needs multifaceted policy and community-based interventions.