Types and Associated Factors of Elder Abuse and Neglect: A ScopingReview of the Evidence

Abstract

Elder abuse is a significant but under-recognised public health problem worldwide, with profound consequences for the
health, well-being, and human rights of older adults. Understanding the types and associated factors of elder abuse is
essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This scoping review aimed to map the available
evidence on the types of elder abuse and the factors associated with its occurrence, with particular attention to global
patterns and regional variations. This scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Ten
key studies published between 2015-2024 were synthesised, including primary research from India, Nigeria,
Switzerland, Turkey, Ghana, Korea, and systematic reviews from Iran and Brazil. Elder abuse manifests in multiple
forms including psychological, physical, financial abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. Psychological abuse consistently
emerged as the most common type globally, followed by neglect or financial abuse depending on the setting. Prevalence
estimates ranged widely from 9.9% to 81.8%. Associated factors operated at multiple levels: individual (age, gender,
functional dependency, depression), relationship (caregiver stress, family dynamics, cohabitation), community (social
isolation, rural residence), and societal (poverty, cultural norms, policy gaps). Notable gaps exist in research from Africa
and in understanding gender-specific correlates. Elder abuse is a multifactorial phenomenon requiring comprehensive
ecological approaches for prevention and intervention. Priorities include developing culturally appropriate screening
tools, strengthening healthcare provider training, enacting protective legislation, and addressing structural determinants
such as poverty and social isolation