Physical abuse of urban Native Americans.
To ascertain the extent of, and risk factors for, physical abuse among older urban American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), we conducted a chart review of 550 urban AI/AN primary care patients >/=50 years old seen during 1 year. Mistreatment was documented in 10%. A logistic regression found younger age (P <.001), female gender (P <.001), current depression (P <.001), and dependence on others for food (P <.05) to be significant correlates of physical abuse. In only 31% of instances of definite abuse were the authorities notified. We conclude that providers should be alert to the possibility of physical mistreatment among older urban AI/ANs. Improvements in detection and management are sorely needed.
Buchwald
D
D
Departments of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Tomita
S
S
Hartman
S
S
Furman
R
R
Dudden
M
M
Manson
S M
SM
D000367:Age Factors; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*