Analysis of problems, abuse and neglect experienced by elderly in Ludhiana city
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Date
2016
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present study entitled “Analysis of problems, abuse and neglect experienced by elderly in Ludhiana city” was undertaken to identify the problems, abuse and neglect experienced by the elderly in different socio-economic status families in Ludhiana city of Punjab state. The prevalence of depression and adjustment problems among elderly was also investigated. The sample comprised of 300 respondents in the age range of 65 to 85 years drawn equally (100 each) from three different socio-economic groups i.e. low, middle and high. A self-structured Personal Information Sheet was used to record information about the socio-personal characteristics of the respondents. Socio-economic Status Scale developed by Meenakshi, PGI Health Questionnaire N-1 developed by Verma et al, a Self-structured Interview Schedule relating to Abuse and Neglect, Geriatric Depression Scale developed by Yesavage et al and Social Adjustment Scale for the Aged developed by Sisodia and Khandelwal were used to assess socio-economic status of the elderly, problems, abuse and neglect experienced by them, prevalence of depression and pattern of social adjustment among the elderly. Results revealed significant differences in the physical and psychological problems experienced by elderly belonging to different socio-economic strata. Female elderly were found to be experiencing more physical problems, whereas, psychological problems were more prevalent among male elderly. Age wise also there were significant differences in the physical problems and psychological problems experienced by the elderly. Older elderly experienced more physical and psychological problems than younger elderly. Elderly belonging to low socio-economic strata experienced more physical and psychological abuse and neglect as compared to elderly from middle and high socio-economic strata, whereas, higher percentage of respondents from middle socio-economic strata experienced financial abuse. Older female elderly experienced more abuse and neglect compared to the male younger group (65-75 years). Older females belonging to low socio-economic strata experienced moderate and severe forms of abuse. Prevalence of depression was found to be higher among older female elderly belonging to low socio-economic strata. Most of the elderly were found to be having moderate and high level of adjustment. However, there were significant differences between abused and non-abused elderly on depression and social adjustment and its areas; family adjustment, spouse adjustment, interpersonal relations, health and finance adjustment.
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Keywords
Abuse, depression, elderly, neglect, problems, social adjustment