| 1. |
- Dias, Nicole Geovana, et al.
(author)
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Intimate Partner Violence and Use of Primary and Emergency Care : The Role of Informal Social Support
- 2020
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In: Health & Social Work. - : Oxford academic. - 0360-7283 .- 1545-6854. ; 45:2, s. 91-100
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Social support may encourage victims to disclose their experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV), but also to seek the appropriate help and care in the social and health services. Using data from a multicenter European project, DOVE (Domestic Violence Against women/men in Europe-prevalence, determinants, effects, and policies/practices), the present study aimed at measuring the frequency of primary care and emergency use according to IPV types of victimization, and to investigate whether victims receiving different levels of informal social support are using health care differently. Results suggested a significant association between IPV types and use of emergency services, and no association was found regarding primary care services. Victims of physical abuse and sexual coercion went to the emergency department (ED) more frequently (more than once a year). Also, victims of physical abuse receiving low social support visited an ED more frequently than those with high social support, whereas victims of sexual coercion with high informal social support went more often to the ED compared with victims of sexual coercion with low social support, even after controlling for other covariates. These results seem to suggest that social support has a significant role in the decision to use health care among victims of IPV.
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| 2. |
- Dias, Nicole Geovana, et al.
(author)
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Social support and the intimate partner violence victimization among adults from six European countries
- 2019
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In: Family Practice. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0263-2136 .- 1460-2229. ; 36:2, s. 117-124
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundSocial support may buffer the negative effects of violence on physical and mental health. Family medicine providers play an essential role in identifying the available social support and intervening in intimate partner violence (IPV).ObjectiveThis study aimed at assessing the association between social support and the IPV victimization among adults from six European countries.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional multi-centre study that included individuals from Athens (Greece), Budapest (Hungary), London (UK), Östersund (Sweden), Porto (Portugal) and Stuttgart (Germany). Data collection was carried out between September 2010 and May 2011. The sample consisted of 3496 adults aged 18–64 years randomly selected from the general population in each city. The revised Conflict Tactics Scales was used to assess IPV victimization. Social support was assessed with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.ResultsParticipants reporting physical assault victimization experienced lower social support (mean ± SD) than their counterparts, 66.1 ± 13.96 versus 71.7 ± 12.90, P< 0.001, for women; and 67.1 ± 13.69 versus 69.5 ± 13.52, P = 0.002 for men. Similar results were found regarding sexual coercion victimization, 69.1 ± 14.03 versus 71.3 ± 12.97, P = 0.005 for women and 68.0 ± 13.29 versus 69.3 ± 13.62, P= 0.021 for men. This study revealed lower levels of social support among participants reporting lifetime and past year victimization, independent of demographic, social and health-related factors.ConclusionResults showed a statistically significant association between low social support and IPV victimization. Although the specific mechanisms linking social support with experiences of violence need further investigation, it seems that both informal and formal networks may be associated with lower levels of abusive situations.
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| 3. |
- Eslami, Bahareh, et al.
(author)
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Life-time abuse and mental health among older persons : a European study
- 2017
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In: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1092-6771 .- 1545-083X. ; 26:6, s. 590-607
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aimed to investigate the association of lifetime abuse and mental health among older persons, considering associated factors (e.g., demographics) through a cross-sectional design. We recruited 4,467 women and men ages 60–84 years from 7 European cities. Mental health was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and physical injuries) based on the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale and the UK survey of abuse/neglect of older people. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that country of residence, low educational level, and experienced financial strain increased the odds of probable cases of anxiety and depression. Female sex, white-collar profession, and financial support by social/other benefits/or partner income were associated with higher odds of anxiety, while older age and experience of lifetime injury were associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms. The findings of this study indicate that socioeconomic factors, as well as experienced lifetime severe physical abuse leading to injuries, are significant in perceived mental health of adults in later life.
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| 4. |
- Eslami, Bahareh, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Lifetime abuse and perceived social support among the elderly : a study from seven European countries
- 2017
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In: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 27:4, s. 686-692
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Being a victim of abuse during one's life course may affect social relations in later life. The aims of this study were to: (i) examine the association between lifetime abuse and perceived social support and (ii) identify correlates of perceived social support among older persons living in seven European countries. Methods: A sample of 4467 women and men aged 60-84 years living in Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain and Sweden was collected through a cross-sectional population-based study. Abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial and injury) was assessed through interviews or interviews/self-response questionnaire based on the Conflict Tactics Scale-2 and the UK study on elder abuse. Perceived social support was assessed by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: Victims of lifetime abuse perceived poorer social support in later life. Multivariate analyses showed that high levels of perceived social support were associated with being from Greece and Lithuania (compared to Germany), being female, not living alone, consuming alcohol and physical activity. Poorer perceived social support was associated with being from Portugal, being old, having social benefits as the main source of income, experiencing financial strain and being exposed to lifetime psychological abuse and injuries. Conclusions: Our findings showed that exposure to psychological abuse and injuries across the lifespan were associated with low levels of perceived social support, emphasizing the importance of detection and appropriate treatment of victims of abuse during their life course. Future research should focus on coping strategies buffering the negative effects of abuse on social relationships.
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| 5. |
- Eslami, Bahareh, et al.
(author)
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Lifetime abuse and somatic symptoms among older women and men in Europe
- 2019
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science. - 1932-6203. ; 14:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Research suggests that survivors of interpersonal violence have an increasing experience of bodily symptoms. This study aims to scrutinise the association between lifetime abuse and somatic symptoms among older women and men, considering demographics/socio-economic, social support and health variables. Methods: A sample of 4,467 community-dwelling persons aged 60–84 years (57.3% women) living in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden) was recruited for this cross-sectional study. Lifetime abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial and injury) was assessed on the basis of the UK study of elder abuse and the Conflict Tactics Scale-2, while somatic symptoms were assessed by the Giessen Complaint List short version. Results: Women reported somatic symptoms more frequently than men. Multiple regression analyses revealed that lifetime exposure to psychological abuse was associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms among both women and men, while experiencing lifetime sexual abuse was associated with somatic symptoms only among older women, after adjusting for other demographic and socio-economic variables. Country of residence, older age, and low socio-economic status were other independent factors contributing to a higher level of somatic symptoms. Conclusions: The positive association between the experience of abuse during lifetime and the reporting of higher levels of somatic symptoms, in particular among older women, seems to suggest that such complaints in later life might also be related to the experience of mistreatment and not only to ageing and related diseases. Violence prevention throughout lifetime could help to prevent somatic symptoms in later life.
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| 6. |
- Eslami, Bahareh, et al.
(author)
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The prevalence of lifetime abuse among older adults in seven European countries
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1661-8556 .- 1661-8564. ; 61:8, s. 891-901
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives To investigate the lifetime prevalence rate of abuse among older persons and to scrutinize the associated factors (e.g. demographics).Methods This cross-sectional population-based study had 4467 participants, aged 60–84, from seven European cities. Abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial and injuries) was measured based on The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, and the UK survey of abuse/neglect of older people.Results Over 34 % of participants reported experiencing lifetime psychological, 11.5 % physical, 18.5 % financial and 5 % sexual abuse and 4.3 % reported injuries. Lifetime psychological abuse was associated with country, younger age, education and alcohol consumption; physical abuse with country, age, not living in partnership; injuries with country, female sex, age, education, not living in partnership; financial abuse with country, age, not living in partnership, education, benefiting social/partner income, drinking alcohol; and sexual abuse with country, female sex and financial strain.Conclusions High lifetime prevalence rates confirm that elder abuse is a considerable public health problem warranting further longitudinal studies. Country of residence is an independent factor associated with all types of elder abuse which highlights the importance of national interventions alongside international collaborations.Keywords Determinant Elder abuse Financial Injuries Psychological Sexual
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| 7. |
- Lindert, Jutta, et al.
(author)
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Study design, sampling and assessment methods of the European study “Abuse of the Elderly in the European Region”
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 22:5, s. 662-666
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Violence against and abuse of older persons (VAO) aged >60 years has become a prominent public health issue. From January 2009-July 2009, we conducted the cross-sectional European study 'Abuse of the elderly in the European region' (ABUEL) among community-dwelling elderly populations aged 60-84 years in Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. We describe the cooperation, completion and response rates; the modes of recruitment and administration; and analyse differences in response rates between countries. Methods: We calculated the population fraction (respondents in each age/sex group divided by the population in the same age/sex group) and the population fraction ratio (PFR) to describe and analyse heterogeneity between countries. To analyse associations between methods and response rates we conducted cross tabulations and logistic regression analyses. Results: The response rates ranged from 18.9 in Germany to 87.4 in Portugal. Men were underrepresented in all countries (PFR<1). Cluster- and cohort-based sampling produced the highest overall response rates. Conclusion: More European and international studies investigating response behaviour in VAO research systematically are needed to gain further knowledge about the internal and external validity of research on VAO. © 2011 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.
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| 8. |
- Melchiorre, Maria Gabriella, et al.
(author)
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Abuse of older men in seven European countries : a multilevel approach in the framework of an ecological model
- 2016
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 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.
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| 9. |
- Melchiorre, Maria Gabriella, et al.
(author)
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Social Support, Socio-Economic Status, Health and Abuse among Older People in Seven European Countries : Social support and elder abuse in Europe
- 2013
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:1, s. e54856-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundSocial support has a strong impact on individuals, not least on older individuals with health problems. A lack of support network and poor family or social relations may be crucial in later life, and represent risk factors for elder abuse. This study focused on the associations between social support, demographics/socio-economics, health variables and elder mistreatment.MethodsThe cross-sectional data was collected by means of interviews or interviews/self-response during January-July 2009, among a sample of 4,467 not demented individuals aged 60–84 years living in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden).ResultsMultivariate analyses showed that women and persons living in large households and with a spouse/partner or other persons were more likely to experience high levels of social support. Moreover, frequent use of health care services and low scores on depression or discomfort due to physical complaints were indicators of high social support. Low levels of social support were related to older age and abuse, particularly psychological abuse.ConclusionsHigh levels of social support may represent a protective factor in reducing both the vulnerability of older people and risk of elder mistreatment. On the basis of these results, policy makers, clinicians and researchers could act by developing intervention programmes that facilitate friendships and social activities in old age.
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| 10. |
- Melchiorre, Maria Gabriella, et al.
(author)
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The prevalence, severity and chronicity of abuse towards older men : Insights from a multinational European survey
- 2021
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In: PLOS ONE. - : PLoS. - 1932-6203. ; 16:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Elder abuse is a growing public health question among policy makers and practitioners in many countries. Research findings usually indicate women as victims, whereas male elder abuse still remains under-detected and under-reported. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity and chronicity of abuse (psychological, physical, physical injury, sexual, and financial) against older men, and to scrutinize factors (e.g. demographics) associated with high chronicity of any abuse.METHODS: Randomly selected older men (n = 1908) aged 60-84 years from seven European cities (Ancona, Athens, Granada, Kaunas, Stuttgart, Porto, Stockholm) were interviewed in 2009 via a cross-sectional study concerning abuse exposure during the past 12 months.RESULTS: Findings suggested that prevalence of abuse towards older men varied between 0.3% (sexual) and 20.3% (psychological), with severe acts between 0.2% (sexual) and 8.2% (psychological). On the whole, higher chronicity values were for injury, followed by psychological, financial, physical, and sexual abuse. Being from Sweden, experiencing anxiety and having a spouse/cohabitant/woman as perpetrator were associated with a greater "risk" for high chronicity of any abuse. For men, severity and chronicity of abuse were in some cases relatively high.CONCLUSIONS: Abuse towards older men, in the light of severe and repeated acts occurring, should be a source of concern for family, caring staff, social work practice and policy makers, in order to develop together adequate prevention and treatment strategies.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Soares, Joaquim J. F., 1947-, et al.
(author)
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Quality of life among persons aged 60-84 years in Europe: The role of psychological abuse and socio-demographic, social and health factors
- 2013
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In: Journal of Biosafety and Health Education. - : OMICS Publishing Group. - 2332-0893. ; 1:1, s. 1-12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Elder abuse and its effects are a serious public health issue. However, little is known about therelation between psychological abuse, other factors (e.g. social support) and quality of life (QoL) by domain. This studyaddressed differences in QoL by domain between psychologically abused and non-abused. While considering otherfactors such as social support.Methods: The respondents were 4,467 (2,559 women) randomly selected persons aged 60-84 years living in7 European cities. The mean response across countries was 45.2%. The cross-sectional data were analyzed withbivariate/multivariate methods.Results: Abused respondents contrasted to non-abused scored lower in QoL (autonomy, 67.42 ± 21.26 vs. 72.39± 19.58; intimacy, 55.31 ± 31.15 vs. 67.21 ± 28.55; past/present/future activities, 62.79 ± 19.62 vs. 68.05 ± 18.09;social participation, 65.03 ± 19.84 vs. 68.21 ± 19.77). Regressions showed that abuse was negatively associated withautonomy, intimacy and past/present/future activities, and positively with the social participation. All QoL dimensionswere negatively associated with country and depressive/anxiety symptoms, and positively with social support. Further,variables such as age, sex and somatic symptoms were negatively associated with some of the QoL dimensions andothers such as family structure, education, health care use and drinking positively. The regression model “explained”32.8% of the variation in autonomy, 45.6% in intimacy, 44.8% in past/present/future activities and 41.5% in socialparticipation.Conclusions: Abuse was linked to lower QoL in most domains, but other factors such as depressive symptomsalso carried a negative impact. Social support and to some extent family structure had a “protective” effect on QoL.Abuse, health indicators (e.g. depressive symptoms) and social support should be considered in addressing the QoL ofolder persons. However, QoL was influenced by many factors, which could not be firmly disentangled due to the crosssectionalapproach, calling for longitudinal research to address causality.
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| 13. |
- Soares, Joaquim J.F., et al.
(author)
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The relationship between the chronicity and severity of abuse, socio-economics, psychosocial factors and mental health
- 2015
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In: International journal of healthcare, insurance and equity. - 2345-3168. ; 2:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The abuse and mental health of older persons are sources of great concern. However, there are limited data on the relation between the chronicity (frequency of abuse) by severity (minor, severe) of abuse (e.g. psychological, physical) and mental health (e.g. depression). Women/men aged 60–84 years from seven European cities (n=4,467) participated in this study, and data were analysed with bivariate/multivariate methods. High chronicity (frequency, median/above) of psychological and physical abuse independently of severity was related to depression and anxiety; financial and overall abuse to anxiety; and minor financial abuse and overall abuse to depression. Regressions showed that some factors (e.g. being from Greece) were associated with a lower depression/anxiety “risk” and others (e.g. low social support) with high risk. Low chronicity (frequency, below median) of psychological abuse was associated with a lower anxiety risk. The management of depression/anxiety, particularly anxiety, among elders should also consider the roles of abuse and social support.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Stankunas, Mindaugas, et al.
(author)
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Factors associated with refraining from buying prescribed medications among older people in Europe
- 2014
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In: Australasian Journal on Ageing. - : Wiley. - 1440-6381 .- 1741-6612. ; 33:4, s. 25-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimTo evaluate the associations between refraining from buying prescribed medications and selected factors among older persons.MethodsA total of 4467 people aged 60–84 years from seven European countries answered a questionnaire (response rate 45.2%). Refraining from buying prescribed medications was measured with the question: ‘Have you ever refrained from buying prescribed medication and care?’ResultsAbout 11.9% of older people refrained from buying prescribed medications. The multiple regression analysis showed that ages 60–64 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.08; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.38–3.13) and 65–69 (OR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.16–2.57) years, experience of financial strain (OR = 1.59; 95%CI: 1.27–2.01), as well as exposure to abuse (OR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.31–2.06) when taking into account country of participant were independently associated with refraining from buying medications, while an opposite association was observed for being male (OR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.58–0.91).ConclusionsThe study has revealed that refraining from buying prescription medications is a problem among older people and it has identified a number of factors associated with this.
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| 17. |
- Stankuniene, Aurima, et al.
(author)
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The prevalence of self-reported underuse of medications due to cost for the elderly: results from seven European urban communities
- 2015
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In: BMC Health Services Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6963. ; 15, s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported underuse of medications due toprocurement costs amongst older persons from seven European urban communities.Methods: The data were collected in a cross-sectional study (“ABUEL, Elder abuse: A multinational prevalencesurvey”) in 2009. Randomly selected people aged 60–84 years (n = 4,467) from seven urban communities: Stuttgart(Germany), Athens (Greece), Ancona (Italy), Kaunas (Lithuania), Porto (Portugal), Granada (Spain) and Stockholm(Sweden) were interviewed. Response rate - 45.2 %. Ethical permission was received in each country.Results: The results indicate that 3.6 % (n = 162) of the respondents self-reported refraining from buying prescribedmedications due to cost. The highest prevalence of this problem was identified in Lithuania (15.7 %, n = 99) and Portugal(4.3 %, n = 28). Other countries reported lower percentages of refraining from buying medications (Germany – 2.0 %,Italy – 1.6 %, Sweden – 1.0 %, Greece – 0.6 %, Spain – 0.3 %). Females refrained more often from buying medicationsthan males (2.6 % vs. 4.4 %, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of this refraining tended to increase with economic hardship.Discussion: These differences between countries can be only partly described by the financing of health-care systems.In spite of the presence of cost reimbursement mechanisms, patients need to make co-payments (or in some cases topay the full price) for prescribed medications. This indicates that the purchasing power of people in 10.1186/s12913-015-1089-4 the particular country can play a major role and be related with the economic situation in the country. Lithuania,which has reported the highest refrain rates, had the lowest gross domestic product (at the time of conducting thisstudy) of all participating countries in the study.Conclusions: Refraining from buying the prescribed medications due to cost is a problem for women and men inrespect to ageing people in Europe. Prevalence varies by country, sex, and economic hardship.Keywords: Ageing, Accessibility, Medications, Europe, ABUEL
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| 18. |
- Stén, Kersti Danell, et al.
(author)
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The relationship between abuse, psychosocial factors and pain complaints among older persons in Europe
- 2014
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In: Medicina (Kaunas). - : MDPI AG. - 1010-660X .- 1648-9144. ; 50:1, s. 61-74
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and objective: Abuse and pain complaints are common among older persons. However, little is known about relationships between abuse (e.g. psychological) and pain complaints (e.g. backache) among older persons while considering other factors (e.g. depression).Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine these relationships.Materials and methods: The design was cross-sectional. A total of 4467 women and men aged 60-84 years from Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden answered questionnaires regarding various areas such as abuse, mental health (e.g. anxiety) and pain complaints (e.g. backache). The data were examined with bivariate (analyses ofvariance) and multivariate methods (linear regressions).Results: The bivariate analyses showed that psychological abuse was connected with all pain complaints; physical with headache and head pressure; sexual with neck or shoulder pain and headache; injury with all complaints (except pain in joints or limbs); financial with pain in joints or limbs and head pressure; and overall abuse (one or more types) with all complaints (except headache). The regressions showed that psychological abuse increased the likelihood of being affected by head pressure and heaviness or tiredness in the legs; physical abuse of being affected by headache and head pressure; financial abuse of being affected by head pressure; and overall abuse of being affected by headache and head pressure. In general, respondents from Sweden and younger (60-64 years) were less affected by the complaints than those from other counties (e.g. Germany) and older (e.g. 70-74 years), respectively. Respondents on medication (e.g. pain killers) were less affected by all pain complaints and those with high social support by pain in joints or limbs. High scores on anxiety and depression and having many diseases increased the likelihood of being affect by all pain complaints.Conclusions: Abuse was related with certain pain complaints (e.g.headache), but other factors and in particular mental health and physical diseases impacted on all pain complaints. Medication and partly social support had a positive effect on the pain experience, i.e. the complaints interfered less with for instance the daily-life of the respondents.
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