Περίληψη:
Background
Several studies on elder abuse indicate that a large number of victims
are women, but others report that men in later life are also
significantly abused, especially when they show symptoms of disability
and poor health, and require help for their daily activities as a
result. This study focused on the prevalence of different types of abuse
experienced by men and on a comparison of male victims and non-victims
concerning demographic/socio-economic characteristics, lifestyle/health
variables, social support and quality of life. Additionally, the study
identified factors associated with different types of abuse experienced
by men and characteristics associated with the victims.
Methods
The cross-sectional data concerning abuse in the past 12 months were
collected by means of interviews and self-response during January-July
2009, from a sample of 4,467 not demented individuals aged between 60-84
years living in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy,
Lithuania, Portugal, Spain and Sweden). We used a multilevel approach,
within the framework of an Ecological Model, to explore the phenomenon
of abuse against males as the complex result of factors from multiple
levels: individual, relational, community and societal.
Results
Multivariate analyses showed that older men educated to higher levels,
blue-collar workers and men living in a rented accommodation were more
often victims than those educated to lower levels, low-rank white-collar
workers and home owners, respectively. In addition, high scores for
factors such as somatic and anxiety symptoms seemed linked with an
increased probability of being abused. Conversely, factors such as
increased age, worries about daily expenses (financial strain) and
greater social support seemed linked with a decreased probability of
being abused.
Conclusions
Male elder abuse is under-recognized, under-detected and under-reported,
mainly due to the vulnerability of older men and to social/cultural
norms supporting traditional male characteristics of stoicism and
strength. Further specific research on the topic is necessary in the
light of the present findings. Such research should focus, in
particular, on societal/community aspects, as well as individual and
family ones, as allowed by the framework of the Ecological Model, which
in turn could represent a useful method also for developing prevention
strategies for elder abuse.
Συγγραφείς:
Melchiorre, Maria Gabriella
Di Rosa, Mirko
Lamura, Giovanni and
Torres-Gonzales, Francisco
Lindert, Jutta
Stankunas, Mindaugas
and Ioannidi-Kapolou, Elisabeth
Barros, Henrique
Macassa, Gloria
and Soares, Joaquim J. F.
