Association between domestic violence and health conditions of Brazilian older adults

• Autor(a) principal: Bomfim, Wanderson Costa
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Camargos, Mirela Castro Santos, Zocratto, Keli Bahia Felicíssimo
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista Baiana de Saúde Pública (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://rbsp.sesab.ba.gov.br/index.php/rbsp/article/view/3740
• topic: Violência contra o idoso; Saúde do idoso; Pessoa com incapacidade; Saúde do idoso; violência contra a pessoa idosa; Abuso de ancianos; Salud del anciano; Personas con discapacidad; Elder abuse; Health of the elderly; Disabled persons

Academic literature highlights that exposure to different types of violence is associated with worse physical and mental health conditions, considering different health outcomes. This study sought to evaluate the association between domestic violence against Brazilians aged 60 years or older and functional disability (FD). Data were collected from the 2015/16 Longitudinal Study on the Health of Older Adults (Elsi) and analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. Results showed a statistically significant association between domestic violence and FD, measured by basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). When analyzing for all confounding factors, the chance of presenting FD in IADL was 44% (OR: 1.43; 95%CI 1.05-1.98) higher among those who experienced domestic violence perpetrated by their children or grandchildren compared to those who did not. Those who were subjected to violence in the last 12 months had a 48% (OR: 1.48; 95%CI; 1.01-2.21) greater chance of having FI in BADL compared to those who did not experience this type of situation. These findings and those of previous literature show how violence against older adults constitutes a serious public health issue that needs special attention from public policy makers and managers.