Profile of aggressors of older adults receiving care at a geriatrics and gerontology reference center in the Distrito Federal (Federal District), Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To profile aggressors of older adults who receive care at a reference center in geriatrics and gerontology in the Distrito Federal (Federal District), Brazil, from 2008 to 2018. Method: A retrospective, documentary, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was performed, based on information obtained from the minutes book of the unit, which contained a record of mediation meetings of cases of conflict and violence against older adults, carried out by social workers, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team. The data collection instrument covered the sociodemographic characteristics of the aggressor, the sociodemographic and health profile of the older adults and the type of violence suffered. Result: 111 cases were analyzed. The children of the older adults were the main aggressors (72%), with a prevalence of men (62%) and the from 51 to 60 year age group (37%). The older adults who suffered violence were predominantly women (72%), almost half of whom were aged 81 to 90 years, followed by those aged 71 to 80 years (39%). A total of 16% of the older adults lived with their children or close family members. The main types of violence evidenced were negligence (56%) and psychological violence (29%), with physical violence representing 8% of cases. Conclusion: The study of the profile of the aggressor and the older adult who suffered violence reinforced the need to focus actions within family arrangements. Investigations that address those who practice violence can contribute to the promotion of public health policies and contribute to geriatric and gerontological clinical practices that combat violence against older adults.