Prevalence of violence against older adults and associated factors in Çanakkale, Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Aim: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence against older adults and the associated risk factors in Çanakkale, Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out, including 1230 individuals aged ≥65 years living in the city of Çanakkale, Turkey. The population of the study consisted of 73 367 individuals aged ≥65 years, living in Çanakkale. Sample selection was made with the one-step cluster sampling method. The data were collected by face-to-face interview. The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written consent was taken from the participants. Results: Of the participants, 4.1% had experienced physical violence, 2.5% were subjected to sexual abuse, 23.5% had undergone psychological violence and 12.2% had a history of economic violence. The exposure to any of the given violence types was 28.5%. Risk factors related to violence were being married, having children, educated partner, lack of economic independence, poor self-perceived health, administration of medications by others, feeling lonely, dissatisfaction with life, poor perception of family relations and not participating in family decisions. Conclusions: These results show that violence against older adults is a significant problem in a city in western Turkey. Therefore, an in-depth evaluation of the determined risk factors related to violence and actions for its prevention are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 66–71.