Bonnie S Fisher1, Saundra L Regan. 1. Division of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 210389, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0389, USA. Bonnie.Fisher@uc.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study assessed the extent of different types of abuse, repeated and multiple abuse experiences among women aged 60 and older, and their effects on the women's self-reported health. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a clinical sample of 842 community-dwelling women aged 60 and older completed a telephone survey about type and frequency of abuse, self-reported health status and health conditions, and demographic characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS 11.5 and STATA 7.0. RESULTS: Nearly half of the women had experienced at least one type of abuse--psychological/emotional, control, threat, physical, or sexual--since turning 55 years old. Sizable proportions were victims of repeat abuse. Many women experienced multiple types of abuse and experienced abuse often. Abused older women were significantly more likely to report more health conditions than those who were not abused. Women who experienced psychological/emotional abuse--alone, repeatedly, or with other types of abuse--had significantly increased odds of reporting bone or joint problems, digestive problems, depression or anxiety, chronic pain, and high blood pressure or heart problems. IMPLICATIONS: It is important that health care and service providers acknowledge psychological/emotional, control, threat, physical, and sexual abuse against older women and understand their health implications. In addition, it is important for providers to be trained in both aging and domestic violence services and resources.
PURPOSE: This study assessed the extent of different types of abuse, repeated and multiple abuse experiences among women aged 60 and older, and their effects on the women's self-reported health. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a clinical sample of 842 community-dwelling women aged 60 and older completed a telephone survey about type and frequency of abuse, self-reported health status and health conditions, and demographic characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS 11.5 and STATA 7.0. RESULTS: Nearly half of the women had experienced at least one type of abuse--psychological/emotional, control, threat, physical, or sexual--since turning 55 years old. Sizable proportions were victims of repeat abuse. Many women experienced multiple types of abuse and experienced abuse often. Abused older women were significantly more likely to report more health conditions than those who were not abused. Women who experienced psychological/emotional abuse--alone, repeatedly, or with other types of abuse--had significantly increased odds of reporting bone or joint problems, digestive problems, depression or anxiety, chronic pain, and high blood pressure or heart problems. IMPLICATIONS: It is important that health care and service providers acknowledge psychological/emotional, control, threat, physical, and sexual abuse against older women and understand their health implications. In addition, it is important for providers to be trained in both aging and domestic violence services and resources.
Authors: Charles P Mouton; Rebecca J Rodabough; Susan L D Rovi; Robert G Brzyski; David A Katerndahl Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2010 May-Jun Impact factor: 5.166
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Authors: Carolyn J Gibson; Alison J Huang; Brigid McCaw; Leslee L Subak; David H Thom; Stephen K Van Den Eeden Journal: JAMA Intern Med Date: 2019-01-01 Impact factor: 21.873