Assessment Elder abuse and Perceived stress of informal caregivers of the elderly

Aim : Elder abuse is an important health problem associated with ederly care. This study aimed to assessment elder abuse and perceived stress of informal caregivers in ederly. Methods : This descriptive-analytical study was carried out among 253 elderly individuals and their caregivers. Multi-stage sampling was employed across 10 comprehensive urban health service centers. Data collection was facilitated using Cohen's Caregivers' Perceived Stress Questionnaire, the Elder Abuse Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. Results : Average perceived stress among the informal caregivers of the elderly was 28.96 ± 6.981. There was no significant correlation between the perceived stress of informal caregivers and elder abuse (P-value = 0.151, r = 0.15). However, a significant correlation was found between the perceived stress of informal caregivers and demographic variables such as place of residence, age, occupation, mental illness or trauma, income, number of children, insurance, and addiction. Similarly, elder abuse showed a significant correlation with demographic variables like gender, age, education level, occupation, marital status, physical and mental illness or trauma, type of care, income, and addiction. Conclusions : Elder abuse is a complex and occasionally concealed issue that warrants special attention. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended to implement strategies to manage stress among the informal caregivers of the elderly.