Affiliations 

  • 1 a Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
  • 2 b University of Malaya Primary Care Research Group, Department of Primary Care Medicine , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
J Elder Abuse Negl, 2016 Jun-Jul;28(3):163-77.
PMID: 27149412 DOI: 10.1080/08946566.2016.1185985

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 neighboring 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) of 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 health care workforce.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.