ELDER ABUSE IN FAMILY: A CROSS SECTIONAL COMMUNITY BASED STUDY IN RURAL SOLAPUR, MAHARASHTRA

Background: Indias aging population is projected to grow significantly, emphasizing the need to address elder abuse, which has severe consequences and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse, analyze patterns and associated factors among elder in rural Solapur.

Methodology: A community-based observational study was conducted on elder individuals residing in a Primary Health Centres headquarters village in Solapur. By simple random sampling 279 elder residing in Headquarter village of a randomly selected Primary Health Centre in Solapur district were selected. Elder abuse was assessed through structured questionnaires, excluding sexual abuse.

Results: The prevalence of elder abuse in the past year was found to be 24.73%, with psychological abuse being the most common type of abuse found in 20.43% elder. Neglect, financial abuse and physical abuse were 16.12%, 7.52% and 4.30% respectively. Factors significantly associated with elder abuse included gender, marital status, occupation, personal income and possession of property. Higher prevalence of abuse was observed among females, widowed individuals, currently working elders, those with lower incomes, and those without property or assets.

Conclusions: Elder abuse in family environment was found to be occurring in rural area of Solapur, with every fourth elder being abused. Present study highlights the importance of addressing elder abuse, especially psychological abuse, among rural elder populations.