Objective:

To determine the prevalence of elder abuse in the city of Pasto, Colombia and its association with sociodemographic and family factors.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study of primary information source obtained from surveys was conducted. The sample consisted of 506 elder adults selected by probabilistic sampling, by conglomerate, two-stage. The Geriatric Abuse Scale was used for the detection of abuse. Descriptive statistics were obtained by performing univariate analyses. Bivariate and multivariate analyses by binary logistic regression were conducted to identify associated factors.

Results:

The prevalence of abuse was 13% and the most reported typology was psychological (5.4%). The main factors associated with abuse were dependence, severe dysfunctionality, family member maltreatment and poor social support.

Conclusion:

Abuse of elderly adults is high due to specific behaviors that are present within families. The deterioration in social and family relationships of elder adults are factors that increase the abuse in old age. For this reason, support networks must be strengthened to support the elderly population.

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