Citation

Ahmed A, Choo WY, Othman S, Hairi NN, Hairi FM, Mohd Mydin FH, Illiani Jaafar SN. J. Elder Abuse Negl. 2016; 28(3): 163-177.

Affiliation

a Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08946566.2016.1185985

PMID

27149412

Abstract

Elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is a hidden public health challenge for Malaysia. This cross sectional survey studied the awareness of EAN among 148 doctors and nurses from two neighbouring states in Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire exploring their knowledge, perceptions, practices and experience concerning EAN. Both doctors and nurses demonstrated poor understanding of signs of EAN and exhibited misperceptions on reporting requirements. Both groups perceived EAN as a national burden and reporting it as their responsibility; but most felt they had not been trained to diagnose it. Many were unsure of procedures and whether their own intervention could be effective. Only four (nurses) out 41 participants who suspected abuse during the past year reported the cases. Targeted education and uniform protocols are mandatory to ensure best practice with regards to EAN. Further research is crucial to extend this inquiry into the broader healthcare workforce.

Language: en