A systematic review on the prevalence, risk factors and interventions related to physical abuse of older people in nursing homes.

Abstract

Background: Physical Abuse of Older People (AOP) is a major concern to public health, as it threatens the well-being and safety of older adults living in nursing homes. This review considers physical AOP as intentional acts of violence, harm, or mistreatment that result in physical pain, injury, or impairment, such as verbal abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and force-feeding. However, all possible perpetrators of physical abuse were considered in this systematic review.

Methods: Two databases (EBSCOHost for CINHAL and MedLine) were searched. In addition, a web search through Google Scholar, as well as a grey literature search was also conducted. The search process was conducted between 12 February 2023 and 19 May 2023.

Results: Out of the 433 references retrieved by the search, the selection process arrived at 18 articles which provided answers to the three research questions that influenced the research. The prevalence of physical AOP in nursing homes was determined from seven articles as 34.08% (CI 11.50 to 48.56, range 5% to 62.7%). From nine articles, there are three major themes on risk factors of physical AOP in nursing homes, referring to risk factors related to perpetrators, nursing home settings, and other residents. Nine articles reported interventions on physical AOP, which have two major themes: intervention to reduce AOP at the nursing home and caregiver levels.

Conclusion: The study findings revealed the significance of physical AOP, emphasising that it is a significant problem to public health, especially nursing practice. The research established a high prevalence value, which is even more worrisome because the risk factors, such as problems with stress and coping and insufficient training of the nursing staff, are still imminent and contribute to the risk of physical abuse. To reduce physical AOP, the review established increased hiring of more qualified personnel as effective.