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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Melissa A. Simon, MD, MPH, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, 333 East Superior, Suite 490, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-320-6222, simonmelissa@yahoo.com and XinQi Dong, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, Rush University Medical Center, 710 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612.

Background: Very little is known in western literature regarding violence against elderly and elder rights in China, and virtually nothing are known regarding crimes, victimization and elder mistreatment in rural Chinese elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed to study rural elderly who live near a medical clinic in NanJing, China. Direct questions were asked regarding prior victimization by violent crimes and other types of elder mistreatment. Results: 143 rural elderly patients completed the survey. The mean age was 68 years old. 47% were female. 36% were illiterate. 69% were married. The mean monthly income was 564YMB ($75US). 22% of this sample reported no income. Depression was prevalent in 21%. 51% felt they were lacking companionship. 44% often felt left out in life. 60% felt isolated from others. 44% felt that they could use more love and affection by relatives. Elder Mistreatment was reported by 42%: 20% had been financially exploited; 18% had been neglected by family; 18% had suffered psychological abuse; 9% experienced physical abuse; 1% had been abandoned; and none had been sexually abused. Violent crimes such as robbery, assault, burglary, personal or household larceny, or assault involving knives or guns were found in about 13% of all participants. Conclusion: Crimes, victimization, and elder mistreatment are common in this rural Chinese elderly population. Improved understanding of risk factors are needed through larger studies to confirm these findings. Further exploration of Chinese culture and tradition may yield more insight into preventive strategies.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in the session will be able to

• Understand the epidemiology of violent crimes against the elderly in China.
• Identify prevalence of elder abuse and neglect in an urban population in China.
• Understand victimization by violent crimes as a risk factor for elder abuse and neglect.

Keywords: Aging, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No