The Elderly Neglect Residing in the Families of Delhi: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: According to the World Health organisation, abuse of older people can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. Abuse of older people is predicted to increase, as many
countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.
Objectives: The present study was aimed at assessing the elderly neglect in families residing in the capital city of India and at finding the association between elderly neglect and the socio-demographic variables of elderly people.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done, and data was collected from five distinct urban colonies of Delhi. Using quota sampling, a non-probability sampling technique, fifty elderly people were enrolled in the study in January, 2024. A structured, pre-tested and validated interview schedule was used to collect information related to self perceived experience of neglect in their family from elderly people of age 60 years and above. Informed voluntary consent was obtained from all the study participants. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics and the chi-square test/Fischer’s exact test using SPSS 16 with p<0.05 level of significance.
Results: The study findings revealed that 40 out of 50 (80%) elderly were affected by neglect in their families with a mean score of 6.2+3.4 (95%C.I.: 5.258 –7.142). However, there was no association between elderly neglect and socio-demographic characteristics of the elderly people.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the majority of the elderly people are neglected in their families residing in Delhi. They need care, emotional and other life -essential support from their family members, society and nation at large. The study hereby recommends an urgent need for spreading the awareness about the need for elderly people’s care and counselling of youth of the family and society at large.

How to cite this article:
Sarkar S, Beck E, Sharma R, Khatun S. The Elderly
Neglect Residing in the Families of Delhi: A
Cross-sectional Study. Int J Nurs Midwif Res.
2024;13(3):27-33.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.9318.202410