Health outcomes in older adults suspected of being maltreated: A 20-Year Real-World Study

Abstract

Older adult maltreatment (OAM) is a global problem, gaining recognition due to the ageing population and its severe impact on the victims' health. Thus, the main objective is to analyze the prevalence of health outcomes on people ≥ 60 years, whom physicians from a local health care unit suspected to be victims of maltreatment. Specific objectives are to characterize the prevalence of: health risk factors, trauma injuries and intoxications, and mental and physical disorders. We conducted a real-world, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional and multicentric study based on secondary data analyses of electronic health records and health care register of patients at the Local Healthcare Unit of Matosinhos (2001-2021). Information was obtained considering codes from the International Classification of Disorders and the International Classification of Primary Care, and clinical notes (according to previously defined keywords). We identified 3 092 suspected victims of OAM, representing 4.5% of the total population analyzed, which is lower than the known rates. We also found that some risk factors, traumatic injuries and intoxication, mental health disorders, and physical disorders presented higher rates in the suspected victims when compared with the total population. In this age group it is impossible to affirm that these health problems are only related with a current victimization. They can also be associated with adverse childhood experiences or intimate partner violence, among others, with cumulative effects on the victims' health. This evidence increases health care provider's responsibility in detecting and reporting all cases of suspected maltreatment.