| 1. |
- Kluge, U, et al.
(author)
-
Health services and the treatment of immigrants : data on service use, interpreting services and immigrant staff members in services across Europe
- 2012
-
In: European psychiatry. - 0924-9338 .- 1778-3585. ; 27:Suppl 2, s. 56-62
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:The number of immigrants using health services has increased across Europe. For assessing and improving the quality of care provided for immigrants, information is required on how many immigrants use services, what interpreting services are provided and whether staff members are from immigrant groups.METHODS:Structured interviews were conducted with 15 health services (9 primary care, 3 emergency departments, 3 mental health) located in areas with high immigrant populations in each of 16 European countries (n=240). Responses were collected on the availability of data on service use by immigrant patients, the provision of interpreting services and immigrant staff members.RESULTS:Data on service use by immigrants were recorded by only 15% of services. More than 40% of services did not provide any form of interpreting service and 54% of the services reported having no immigrant staff. Mental health services were more likely to use direct interpreting services, and both mental health and emergency services were more likely to have immigrant staff members.DISCUSSION:For assessing and improving the quality of care provided for immigrants, there is a need to improve the availability of data on service use by immigrants in health services throughout Europe and to provide more consistent access to interpreting services.
|
|
| 2. |
- Priebe, S, et al.
(author)
-
Good practice in emergency care: views from practitioners :
- 2011
-
In: Migration and Health in the European Union. - : Open University Press. - 9780335245673
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Migrants make up a growing share of European populations. However, all too often their situation is compounded by problems with accessing health and other basic services. There is a need for tailored health policies, but robust data on the health needs of migrants and how best these needs can be met are scarce.Written by a collaboration of authors from three key international organisations (the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the EUPHA Section on Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health, and the International Organization for Migration), as well as leading researchers from across Europe, the book thoroughly explores the different aspects of migration and health in the EU and how they can be addressed by health systems.Structured into five easy-to-follow sections, the volume includes:Contributions from experts from across EuropeKey topics such as: access to human rights and health care; health issues faced by migrants; and the national and European policy response so farConclusions drawn from the latest available evidenceComprehensive information on different aspects of health and migration and how they can best be addressed by health systems is still not easy to find. This book addresses this shortfall and will be of major value to researchers, students, policy-makers and practitioners concerned with migration and health in an increasingly diverse Europe.
|
|
| 3. |
- Priebe, S, et al.
(author)
-
Good practice in health care for migrants : views and experiences of care professionals in 16 European countries
- 2011
-
In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 11, s. 187-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundHealth services across Europe provide health care for migrant patients every day. However, little systematic research has explored the views and experiences of health care professionals in different European countries. The aim of this study was to assess the difficulties professionals experience in their service when providing such care and what they consider constitutes good practice to overcome these problems or limit their negative impact on the quality of care.MethodsStructured interviews with open questions and case vignettes were conducted with health care professionals working in areas with high proportion of migrant populations in 16 countries. In each country, professionals in nine primary care practices, three accident and emergency hospital departments, and three community mental health services (total sample = 240) were interviewed about their views and experiences in providing care for migrant patients, i.e. from first generation immigrant populations. Answers were analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsEight types of problems and seven components of good practice were identified representing all statements in the interviews. The eight problems were: language barriers, difficulties in arranging care for migrants without health care coverage, social deprivation and traumatic experiences, lack of familiarity with the health care system, cultural differences, different understandings of illness and treatment, negative attitudes among staff and patients, and lack of access to medical history. The components of good practice to overcome these problems or limit their impact were: organisational flexibility with sufficient time and resources, good interpreting services, working with families and social services, cultural awareness of staff, educational programmes and information material for migrants, positive and stable relationships with staff, and clear guidelines on the care entitlements of different migrant groups. Problems and good care components were similar across the three types of services.ConclusionsHealth care professionals in different services experience similar difficulties when providing care to migrants. They also have relatively consistent views on what constitutes good practice. The degree to which these components already are part of routine practice varies. Implementing good practice requires sufficient resources and organisational flexibility, positive attitudes, training for staff and the provision of information.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Dauvrin, M., et al.
(author)
-
Health care for irregular migrants : Pragmatism across Europe. A qualitative study
- 2012
-
In: BMC Research Notes. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1756-0500. ; 5, s. Art. no. 99-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract. Background: Health services in Europe face the challenge of delivering care to a heterogeneous group of irregular migrants (IM). There is little empirical evidence on how health professionals cope with this challenge. This study explores the experiences of health professionals providing care to IM in three types of health care service across 16 European countries. Results: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with health professionals in 144 primary care services, 48 mental health services, and 48 Accident & Emergency departments (total n = 240). Although legal health care entitlement for IM varies across countries, health professionals reported facing similar issues when caring for IM. These issues include access problems, limited communication, and associated legal complications. Differences in the experiences with IM across the three types of services were also explored. Respondents from Accident & Emergency departments reported less of a difference between the care for IM patients and patients in a regular situation than did respondents from primary care and mental health services. Primary care services and mental health services were more concerned with language barriers than Accident & Emergency departments. Notifying the authorities was an uncommon practice, even in countries where health professionals are required to do this. Conclusions: The needs of IM patients and the values of the staff appear to be as important as the national legal framework, with staff in different European countries adopting a similar pragmatic approach to delivering health care to IM. While legislation might help to improve health care for IM, more appropriate organisation and local flexibility are equally important, especially for improving access and care pathways. © 2012 Dauvrin et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
|
|
| 6. |
|
|
| 7. |
- Lindert, J, et al.
(author)
-
Abuse and neglect of older persons in 7 cities in seven countries in Europe : a cross sectional community study
- 2013
-
In: International Journal of Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1661-8556 .- 1661-8564. ; 58:1, s. 121-132
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the prevalence rate of abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, neglect) of older persons (AO) in seven cities from seven countries in Europe (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden), and to assess factors potentially associated with AO.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 (n = 4,467, aged 60–84). Potentially associated factors were grouped into domains (domain 1: age, gender, migration history; domain 2: education, occupation; domain 3: marital status, living situation; domain 4: habitation, income, financial strain). We calculated odds ratios (OR) with their respective 95 % confidence intervals (CI).ResultsPsychological AO was the most common form of AO, ranging from 10.4 % (95 % CI 8.1–13.0) in Italy to 29.7 % (95 % CI 26.2–33.5) in Sweden. Second most common form was financial AO, ranging from 1.8 % (95 % CI 0.9–3.2) in Sweden to 7.8 % (95 % CI 5.8–10.1) in Portugal. Less common was physical AO, ranging from 1.0 % (95 % CI 0.4–2.1) in Italy to 4.0 % (95 % CI 2.6–5.8 %) in Sweden. Sexual AO was least common, ranging from 0.3 (95 % CI 0.0–1.1) in Italy and Spain to 1.5 % (95 % CI 0.7–2.8) in Greece. Being from Germany (AOR 3.25, 95 % CI 2.34–4.51), Sweden (OR 3.16, 95 % CI 2.28–4.39) or Lithuania (AOR 2.45, 95 % CI 1.75–3.43) was associated with increased prevalence rates of AO.ConclusionCountry of residence of older people is independent from the four assessed domains associated with AO. Life course perspectives on AO are highly needed to get better insight, and to develop and implement prevention strategies targeted at decreasing prevalence rates of AO.
|
|
| 8. |
- Fraga, S, et al.
(author)
-
Elder abuse and socioeconomic inequalities : A multilevel study in 7 European countries
- 2014
-
In: Preventive Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0091-7435 .- 1096-0260. ; 61, s. 42-47
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives To compare the prevalence of elder abuse using a multilevel approach that takes into account the characteristics of participants as well as socioeconomic indicators at city and country level.Methods In 2009, the project on abuse of elderly in Europe (ABUEL) was conducted in seven cities (Stuttgart, Germany; Ancona, Italy; Kaunas, Lithuania, Stockholm, Sweden; Porto, Portugal; Granada, Spain; Athens, Greece) comprising 4467 individuals aged 60–84 years. We used a 3-level hierarchical structure of data: 1) characteristics of participants; 2) mean of tertiary education of each city; and 3) country inequality indicator (Gini coefficient). Multilevel logistic regression was used and proportional changes in Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were inspected to assert explained variance between models.Results The prevalence of elder abuse showed large variations across sites. Adding tertiary education to the regression model reduced the country level variance for psychological abuse (ICC = 3.4%), with no significant decrease in the explained variance for the other types of abuse. When the Gini coefficient was considered, the highest drop in ICC was observed for financial abuse (from 9.5% to 4.3%).Conclusion There is a societal and community level dimension that adds information to individual variability in explaining country differences in elder abuse, highlighting underlying socioeconomic inequalities leading to such behavior.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
- Macassa, Gloria, et al.
(author)
-
Differences in health care-seeking behavior during economic recession
- 2014
-
In: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 24:Suppl. 2
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- BackgroundIn Europe, equitable access to high-quality healthcare constitutes a key challenge for health systems across the continent. However, the recent economic recession left many outside the labour market, causing many to fall in poverty and social exclusion. Unemployment is probably the main factor leading to social exclusion. Studies which analysed health seeking behaviour among unemployed people have reported a variety of results, from low to high utilization of health services. However, some researchers argue that during stressful economic and social circumstances can cause high utilization of the health care system due to increased psychological disorders masked by physical complaints. This study examined differences in health seeking behaviour in Gävleborg County, which at the pick of the economic recession had high levels of unemployment as compared to the national average.MethodsThe data for the study come from the 2010 Survey of Health in Equal terms carried out in Gävleborg County, Sweden. The sample included 4245 persons aged 16-65 years. Descriptive and binary logistic analysis was used to assess differences in health seeking behavior by employment status.ResultsThere was a statistical significant relationship between employment status and health-seeking behavior. Compared to employed persons, people who were out of the labor market had odds ratio of 1.42 (1.12-1.62) for contact with health care services; of 1.30 (1.12-1.50) for contact with a doctor in a health care facility and 1.67 (1.42-1.97) for contact with a doctor in a hospital. Controlling for age, sex, marital status, education, income, smoking habits, physical activity, self-rated health, and long standing illness removed the statistical significance of the observed relationships. Thus, the odds for contact with health care services went from.ConclusionsAt the pic of the recent economic recession, people who were outside the labor market had more contact with health care services, with doctor in hospitals as well as primary health care services as compared to employed counterparts. The differences in health seeking behavior were explained by demographic, socioeconomic and health variables.Key Words: Employment status, Health care, Gävleborg, economic recession.Key messagesPeople who were out of labor market in Gävleborg County in 2010 had more contact with health care services, with a doctor in hospital and primary health care respectively.Future studies are warranted that can assess trends in health-seeking behavior among people outside Gävleborgs labor market.
|
|
| 13. |
- Macassa, Gloria, et al.
(author)
-
Psychological abuse among older persons in Europe : A cross-sectional study
- 2013
-
In: Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research. - : Emerald. - 1759-6599. ; 5:1, s. 16-34
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose – Elder abuse is an issue of great concern world-wide, not least in Europe. Older people are increasingly vulnerable to physical, psychological, financial maltreatment and sexual coercion. However, due to complexities of measurement, psychological abuse may be underestimated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of psychological abuse toward older persons within a 12 month period.Design/methodology/approach – The study design was cross-sectional and data were collected during January-July 2009 in the survey “Elder abuse: a multinational prevalence survey, ABUEL”. The participants were 4,467 randomly selected persons aged 60-84 years (2,559 women, 57.3 per cent) from seven EU countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). The sample size was adapted to each city according to their population of women and men aged 60-84 years (albeit representative and proportional to sex-age). The participants answered a structured questionnaire either through a face-to-face interview or a mix of interview/self-response. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression methods.Findings – The prevalence of overall psychological abuse was 29.7 per cent in Sweden, followed by 27.1 per cent in Germany; 24.6 per cent in Lithuania and 21.9 per cent in Portugal. The lowest prevalence was reported in Greece, Spain and Italy with 13.2 per cent, 11.5 per cent and 10.4 per cent, respectively. Similar tendencies were observed concerning minor/severe abuse. The Northern countries (Germany, Lithuania, Sweden) compared to Southern countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain) reported a higher mean prevalence (across countries) of minor/severe abuse (26.3 per cent/11.5 per cent and 12.9 per cent/5.9 per cent, respectively). Most perpetrators (71.2 per cent) were spouses/partners and other relatives (e.g. children). The regression analysis indicated that being from Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain was associated with less risk of psychological abuse. Low social support, living in rented housing, alcohol use, frequent health care use, and high scores in anxiety and somatic complaints were associated with increased risk of psychological abuse.Social implications – Psychological abuse was more prevalent in Northern than Southern countries and factors such as low social support and high anxiety levels played an important role. Further studies are warranted to investigate the prevalence of psychological abuse and risk factors among older persons in other EU countries. Particular attention should be paid to severe abuse. Such research may help policy makers and health planers/providers in tailoring interventions to tackle the ever growing problem of elder abuse.Originality/value – The paper reports data from the ABUEL Survey, which collected population based data on elderly abuse.
|
|
| 14. |
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Soares, Joaquim J. F., et al.
(author)
-
The chronicity and severity of abuse among older persons by country : A European study
- 2014
-
In: Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research. - 1759-6599. ; 6:1, s. 3-25
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate chronicity (frequency) in different abuse types (e.g. psychological) and overall abuse (all abuse types) by severity (minor, severe, total) in seven European cities, and scrutinize factors associated with high chronicity levels (frequency on the median and higher) in psychological and overall abuse by severity. Design/methodology/approach: The study design was cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 4,467 randomly selected women/men (2,559 women) aged 60-84 years from seven European cities, and data were analysed with bivariate and multivariate methods. Findings: Chronicity varied across country and by abuse type. For instance, Germany had the highest chronicity means in physical and sexual abuse; Greece in physical, injury, sexual and overall abuse; Lithuania in physical, injury, financial and overall abuse; Portugal in physical abuse; Spain in physical, sexual and financial abuse; and Sweden in psychological, injury, financial and overall abuse. In general, Italy had the lowest chronicity means. The main perpetrators were people close to the respondents and women (in some cases). Research limitations/implications: The independent relationship (regressions) between chronicity/severity of abuse, country and other variables (e.g. depression) was examined only for psychological and overall abuse. More research into this issue with other types of abuse (e.g. sexual) is warranted. Originality/value: The paper reports data from the ABUEL survey, which gathered population-based data on elderly abuse.
|
|
| 17. |
- Soares, Joaquim Jorge Fernandes, et al.
(author)
-
The impact of psychological abuse on somatic symptoms : A study of older persons aged 60-84 years
- 2014
-
In: Journal of Adult Protection. - 1466-8203 .- 2042-8669. ; 16:4, s. 213-231
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine differences in the experience of somatic symptoms by domain (exhaustion, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, heart distress) between psychologically abused and non-abused older persons, and to scrutinize associations between abuse and somatic symptoms while considering other factors (e.g. social support).Design/methodology/approach– The design was cross-sectional. The participants were 4,467 women/men aged 60-84 years living in seven European cities. The data were analysed using bivariate/multivariate methods.Findings– Psychologically abused participants scored higher on all somatic symptom domains than non-abused, and thus were more affected by the symptoms. The regressions confirmed a positive association between psychological abuse and most somatic symptom domains, but other factors (e.g. depression, anxiety) were more salient. Demographics/socio-economics were positively (e.g. marriage/cohabitation) or negatively (e.g. education) associated with somatic symptoms depending on the domain. Social support and family structure "protected" the experience of somatic symptoms.Research limitations/implications– The research focused on psychological abuse. It did not incorporate other abuse types calling for further research on the effects of other abuse types on somatic symptoms. Nevertheless, the findings indicate that psychological abuse is linked to somatic symptoms, but the role of other factors (e.g. depression, anxiety, social support) is also important.Practical implications– Improvements in the older person's situation regarding somatic symptoms need to consider psychological abuse, co-morbidities, social support and living conditions.Originality/value– The paper reports data from the ABUEL Survey, which collected population-based data on elder abuse.
|
|
| 18. |
- Stankunas, M, et al.
(author)
-
Differences in reporting somatic complaints in elderly by education level
- 2013
-
In: Central European Journal of Medicine. - : Walter de Gruyter GmbH. - 1895-1058 .- 1644-3640. ; 8:1, s. 125-131
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To evaluate the association between somatic complaints and education level among elders in selected European countries. Methods: Cross-sectional study among randomly selected community dwelling persons aged 60–84 years from seven cities in Europe: Ancona (Italy), Athens (Greece), Granada (Spain), Kaunas (Lithuania), Stuttgart (Germany), Porto (Portugal) and Stockholm (Sweden). Somatic complaints were measured with the 24-item version of the Giessen Complaint List (GBB-24). A regression analysis was done to investigate the association between education and somatic complaints. Results. The mean GBB-24 scale was 16.3±14.9. The most common complaints were pain in joints and limbs (29.6%), back-pain (24.1%), heaviness or tiredness in the legs (19.1%) and general tiredness (15.7%). Respondents with less than primary education reported higher levels of somatic symptoms compared to those with university degree. A regression analysis showed that higher education (OR=0.69) and being male (OR=0.48) were associated with a decreased risk for high levels of somatic complaints, and the opposite for older age (OR=1.03) and being single/divorced/window (OR=1.28). Conclusions: The results indicate that less educated elders are more likely to expressed somatic complaints.
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- Stankunien, Aurima, et al.
(author)
-
Somatic complaints and refrain from buying prescribed medications. Results from a cross-sectional study on people 60 years and older living in Kaunas (Lithuania)
- 2012
-
In: DARU. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1560-8115 .- 2008-2231. ; 20:78, s. 1-6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundThe use of medicines by elderly people is a growing area of concern in social pharmacy. A significant proportion of older people do not follow the recommendations from physicians and refrain from buying prescribed medications. The aim of this study is to evaluate associations between self-rated health, somatic complaints and refraining from buying prescribed medications by elderly people.FindingsData was collected in a cross-sectional study in 2009. We received 624 completed questionnaires (response rate -- 48.9%) from persons aged 60--84 years living in Kaunas (Lithuania). Somatic complaints were measured with the 24 item version of the Giessen Complaint List (GBB-24). Logistic regression (Enter model) was used for evaluation of the associations between refraining from buying medications and somatic complaints. These associations were measured using odds ratio (OR) and calculating the 95% confidence interval (CI).The mean scores in total for the GBB scale and sub-scales (exhaustion, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular) were lowest among respondents who did not refrain from buying prescribed medications (means for GBB-24 scale: 21.04 vs. 24.82; p=0.001). Logistic regression suggests that somatic complaints were associated with a increased risk of refraining from buying prescribed medications (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.15-1.60).ConclusionsSomatic complaints were significantly associated with the decision to refrain from buying prescribed medications.
|
|
| 21. |
- Stankuniene, A., et al.
(author)
-
Causes of refraining from buying prescribed medications among the elderly in Kaunas, Lithuania
- 2011
-
In: Medicina. - : MDPI AG. - 0025-7680 .- 1669-9106. ; 47:5, s. 291-296
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Objective: Accessibility to medications among the elderly is a source of concern in Lithuania and beyond. However, there are no studies carried out on this topic in Lithuania. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the causes of refraining from buying prescribed medications among the elderly in Kaunas, Lithuania. Material and Methods:The data were collected in a cross-sectional ABUEL study in 2009. A total of 624 filled-in questionnaires (response rate, 48.9%) from the elderly aged 60-84 years living in Kaunas (Lithuania) were received. For evaluation of the impact of explanatory variables on the analyzed event (binary dependent variable), an Enter model of logistic regression was used. Results:The study showed that 32.7% of the respondents refrained from buying prescribed medications. The most common reasons (respondents could select several options) for this decision were financial problems (48.0%), disappearance of problems (40.7%), and fear of side effects (22.5%). Refraining from buying prescribed medications was positively associated with age (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.99). Higher education was associated with a reduced risk of refraining from buying prescribed medications due to financial problems (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.78) and an increased risk of refraining from buying medications due to the disappearance of health problems (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.68). An opposite association with worries about daily expenses was observed. Conclusions:Study has revealed that one-third of the elderly refrained from buying prescribed medications, and the main reasons for this were financial problems and disappearance of health problems.
|
|
| 22. |
- Stankuniene, Aurima, et al.
(author)
-
Use of medications amongst older persons in Kaunas, Lithuania
- 2013
-
In: Open Medicine. - : Walter de Gruyter GmbH. - 1911-2092 .- 2391-5463. ; 8:6, s. 855-860
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To evaluate the associations between socio-economical factors and the use of medications in the elderly. Methods: The data was collected in a cross-sectional study in 2009. We received 624 completed questionnaires (response rate - 48.9%) from elderly people aged 60-84 years living in Kaunas (Lithuania). For an evaluation of the impact of explanatory variables on the analyzed events (binary dependent variable), an Enter model of logistic regression was used. Results: Our findings suggest that 50.8% (n=317) of respondents used at least one drug daily. 18.3% (n=114) of respondents indicated that they use medications regularly, but not on a day-by-day basis. One quarter (25.6%; n=160) used medication only on an "at need" basis. Only 5.3% (n=33) of older persons did not use any medications at all. Logistic regression showed that being male (OR=0.67; 95%CI:0.45-0.98) was associated with using medications "regularly + daily." For the use of "daily" medications, older age (OR=1.33; 95%CI:1.15-1.53) was associated with using medications daily. An opposite association was observed for respondents having no paid work (OR=0.48; 95%CI:0.26-0.82). Conclusions: Our study suggests that more than half of older persons in Lithuania use medications every day. Use was associated with socioeconomic factors (gender, age, and employment status).
|
|
| 23. |
- Tredal, Ingrid, et al.
(author)
-
Alcohol use among abused and non-abused older persons aged 60-84 years : A European study
- 2013
-
In: Drugs. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0968-7637 .- 1465-3370. ; 20:2, s. 96-109
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Describing alcohol use by abuse type (e.g. psychological) and considering other factors (e.g. depression).Methods: The respondents were 4467 (2559 women, 57.3%) randomly selected elders (60–84 years) from seven European cities. The cross-sectional data were collected with scales covering various areas and examined with bivariate/multivariate methods.Findings: Psychologically abused elders were more often alcohol users than non-users (21.7% vs. 16.3%) and the opposite regarding financially abused elders (4.8% vs. 3.5%). Psychologically abused elders also had more often three or more drinks containing alcohol in a drinking day (21.1% vs. 16.1%) and six or more drinks on one occasion (24.5% vs. 18.3%). Psychological abuse, demographics/socio-economics (e.g. education), smoking and leisure activities were positively associated alcohol use, and being from certain countries (e.g. Italy), age (e.g. 80–84 years), depression and financial abuse negatively.Conclusions: Across countries, 64.2% of the elders were drinkers. Some variables (e.g. psychological abuse) were positively related to alcohol use and others (e.g. depression) negatively. Many of the elders were exposed to abuse. Our findings may be useful to prevent/manage drinking and abuse among elders. However, alcohol use was influenced by various factors that need to be further elucidated, particularly the relation between abuse and drinking.
|
|
