The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Elder Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background Elder abuse has evolved into a global public health and human rights issue. COVID-19 had a significant impact on Egypt’s economic development and style of life. Aim This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse in the Fayoum Governorate of Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the prevalence of different elder abuse subtypes and study the effect of different demographic characteristics on these abuse subtypes. Methods This study was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey among 201 older adults aged 60 and above in the Fayoum Governorate. The structured questionnaire used in the study had three sections demographic characteristics, the Hwalek–Sengstock elder abuse screening test, and the Questions to Elicit Elder Abuse screening tool. Results This research documented that the prevalence of elder abuse was (72.6%) and the most prevalent types were emotional and neglect abuse (71.1% and 64.7%, respectively). In our study, 22.9% of older adults were exposed to a single type of abuse, 29.9% to two types, 26.9% to three types, and 10.4% to four types. Female is significantly higher than male abuse exposure (66.7% vs. 33.3%). 52.4% versus 7.1% were more likely to be abused than elderly persons who earn enough income. Conclusion According to this study, emotional and neglect abuse were the most common types of elder abuse. Risk factors for elder abuse included being between the ages of 60 and 70 years, being a woman, residing in a rural location, being illiterate, jobless, married, earning little money, and belonging to a middle-class socioeconomic group. For the general public to better comprehend the consequences of elder abuse on their health and human rights, awareness and education must be increased.