Elder Abuse Among Older Adults With Chronic Illness in Northern Thailand: Causes, Consequences, and Coping Strategies

Older adults with chronic illnesses are vulnerable to experiencing abuse due to their reliance on others for their care. A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach encompassing a survey involving 462 older adults with chronic illnesses to examine the nature of elder abuse and predictive factors, and conducting in-depth interviews with a cohort of 30 older adult victims to gain insights into the causes and consequences of elder abuse and their strategies for coping with it. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The most prevalent form of elder abuse was psychological abuse at 58.4%. Elder abuse results from a combination of factors specific to both the victims and perpetrators. The outcomes of elder abuse encompass physical pain, emotional pain, diminished self-worth, and a lack of desire to live. Strategies employed to address abuse encompassed running away from home, confiding in trusted individuals, and increased self-reliance. Elder abuse has negative consequences on the physical and psychological well-being of older adult victims. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, play an essential role in prevention by identifying potential abuse, enhancing caregiver skills, promoting healthy family relationships, and working with communities to establish surveillance systems for at-risk older adults. These efforts should be supported by interdisciplinary collaboration with local leaders and government agencies to address issues such as substance abuse.