195948 Internal Barriers to Help-Seeking by Elder Women (Preliminary Findings)

Monday, November 9, 2009

Maria F. Montoya, DrPHc, MPH , School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
Frederick L. Newman, PhD , Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Healthcare Policy and Management, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Richard L. Beaulaurier, PhD, MSW , Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Laura R. Seff, MBA , Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Healthcare Policy and Management, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Objective:

(1) Identify predictors of internal measures in abuse and non abused elder women.

(2) To recognize that domestic abuse in elder women is an important issue to discuss and create services tailored to the needs of this population.

Background: Domestic abuse is commonly considered an issue that affects women of only child bearing/child rearing ages. Older women deemed capable of acting on their own behalf, do not fall under state elder abuse laws. Abuser behaviors describe the abuser-driven factors of isolation, intimidation, and jealousy. Internal barriers describe a victim's reactions to the abusive behaviors of a significant other, including self-blame, powerlessness, need to protect family, and the need to keep such abuse a secret from others.

Methods: Cross-sectional study on older adult females was conducted in Miami-Dade County in 2008. The population comprised of adult females age 50-109. Data were collected on a sample of 447 women with approximately 150 subjects in each of the three ethnic/racial groups. Abuser behaviors and internal barriers were assessed.

Results: Statistical significance was found on internal barriers across race/ethnicity in the sample. Specifically measures of hopelessness/powerlessness between race/ethnicity: Sum of squares 19.183, df 2, mean square 9.591, F 15.91, p<0.00 . Among victims (N=127) abuser behavior between group mean: Sum of squares 11.747, df 1, mean square 11.747, F 25.091, p<0.00

Conclusion: This work increases awareness and understanding of this gerontological health issue in hopes of advancing: (1) the empowerment of woman (2) enactment of policy and community resources to protect these victims.

Learning Objectives:
(1)Compare abused and non abused woman's self identified internal barriers about seeking help in the community. (2)Identify barriers to seeking help among different ethnic groups in Miami-Dade County (3)Recognize that domestic abuse in elder women is an important issue to discuss and create policies tailored to the needs of this population.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was actively involved in the data collection and worked on varies components of this research for a time period of over 6 months. I was involved in the capacity of Project Coordinator.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Aging
See more of: Gerontological Health