The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40386

Pamela C. Krochalk, DrPH, School of Health, California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747, (310) 243-2690, Pkrochalk@soh.csudh.edu

This study of self-reported parent and spouse abuse was conducted in spring 2000 using a non-probability sample of Chinese immigrants age 60 and older who currently reside in Los Angeles and Orange counties. A total of 130 in-depth interviews was conducted in English, Mandarin and five dialects at various community sites, including housing facilities, health clinics, social service agencies, and special interest groups. Only 6% of the respondents believed that parent or spouse abuse was a problem experienced by others in the community. However, 38% reported that they personally needed professional help for physical or emotional abuse by a son or daughter, and 40% reported needing professional help for abuse by a spouse. Of those stating a need for professional help, only 10% were actually receiving such help. In addition, 36% reported that they anticipated needing professional help for problems of physical and/or emotional abuse over the next five years. Descriptive and multi-variate analyses identified correlates of physical and emotional abuse related to age, gender, marital status, living arrangement, filial piety, social support, economic status and dependency, physical health, psychological well-being, and acculturation. The implications of these findings for planning and implementing a continuum of service delivery for abused immmigrant elders are discussed in relation to cultural norms and the need for more in-depth study of a pervasive health problem.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion of this presentation, session attendees will be able to 1)identify the characteristics of abused elders; 2)describe elder abuse in relation to and socio-cultural, demographic, health and psychological factors; and 3)assess the correlates of abuse and their implication for planning and implementing health and social services from a cultural perspective.

Keywords: Immigrant Domestic Violence, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.