Prevalence and Associated Factors of Elder Abuse Among Kurdish Seniors in Sanandaj County, Iran; A Cross-sectional Study Among Community-dwelling Elderly

Background and Purpose: Elder abuse represents a significant and growing public health concern worldwide. The incidence of elder abuse has been increasing rapidly in recent years. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of elder abuse and its associated factors among Kurdish older adults residing in Sanandaj County, Kurdistan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on ۴۲۲ elderly living in Sanandaj selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic information form and an elder abuse questionnaire during ۸ months. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Data were analyzed using STATA software, version ۱۴. Results: The mean age of participants was ۷۲.۱۷±۶.۶۵ years. Most of the participants were male (۶۲.۳%) and married (۷۴.۴%). Analysis revealed that ۳۲.۷% (n=۱۳۸) of the elderly participants had experienced at least one type of elder abuse. The most common form of abuse was psychological (۲۳.۹%, n=۱۰۱). Statistically significant associations were found between specific dimensions of elder abuse—including physical, psychological, and financial abuse—and selected demographic characteristics, such as gender, marital status, and underlying disease (P<۰.۰۵). Educational level, income satisfaction, and living arrangement were not significantly associated with overall elder abuse (P>۰.۰۵).  Conclusion: Elder abuse remains a significant public health challenge requiring comprehensive preventative strategies. Implementing preventive measures, developing comprehensive policies for early detection, and establishing adequate socioeconomic support systems are essential steps in protecting and empowering older adults experiencing abuse.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aged ، Aged abuse ، Kurdish population ، Iran