Introduction:
Neglect refers to the failure to meet the needs and well-being of elderly individuals. This can include inadequate care by responsible caregivers or a lack of essential necessities such as food, water, shelter, personal hygiene, medication, comfort, and safety. Despite the prevalence of neglect, no studies have specifically investigated its occurrence and related factors among elderly residents in nursing homes in Iran. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by examining neglect among older adults covered by state welfare centers in Ardabil city (Iran) in ۲۰۲۰.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study involving ۱۳۰ older people in Ardabil, located in northwestern Iran. Our data collection tool consisted of a two-part questionnaire: one section focused on demographic information and the Elder
Neglect Checklist. Participants were selected through a census from older adults residing in nursing homes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version ۲۲).
Results: Among the ۱۳۰ participants, ۵۶ (۴۳.۰۸%) were male, and ۷۴ (۵۶.۹۲%) were female. The overall prevalence of neglect was ۳۹.۲%. Dental problems were the most common type of neglect (۳۶.۲%), followed by neglect related to providing a healthy environment (۲۴.۶%). Additionally, our findings revealed significant associations between neglect and marital status (p = ۰.۰۰۱), previous occupation (p = ۰.۰۰۲), and a history of illness (p = ۰.۰۴۶).
Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning rate of neglect among elderly individuals, posing serious risks to their health and security. To address this issue, health and welfare officials, along with nursing homes, should implement necessary measures to improve the well-being of older adults and align with international standards.
Corresponding Author: Fatemeh Ebrahimi Belil
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