Self-neglect: a review of opportunities and barriers to federal policy and research priorities

Abstract

Purpose Self-neglect is a public health concern that can manifest as failure to provide oneself adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication or safety precautions. This paper sought to inform federal policy and research priorities regarding effective strategies to detect, prevent and address self-neglect. This study aims to inform federal policy and research priorities regarding effective strategies to detect, prevent, and address self-neglect. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a rapid review of self-neglect literature and interviews with five national subject matter experts to inform federal policy and research priorities. Findings This study identified gaps in the literature and several approaches and numerous challenges to preventing, identifying and addressing self-neglect. The lack of a nationally accepted definition of self-neglect, a dearth of longitudinal studies which has limited research on self-neglect etiology and trends, and limited development and validation of screening tools, are among the challenges. Research limitations/implications Findings indicate that comparisons of self-neglect definitions, and longitudinal studies of self-neglect by subpopulations, are needed areas of future research. Issues for policy consideration include national self-neglect data collection and reporting requirements. Originality/value This study synthesizes recent literature on self-neglect, highlights gaps in the literature on self-neglect and points toward federal policy priorities for advancing effective strategies to detect, prevent and address self-neglect.