Risk of violence, self-reported diseases and frailty in hospitalized older adults

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the risk of violence and self-reported illnesses and the frailty syndrome in older adults treated at hospitals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, multicenter study, carried out with 323 older adults in two university hospitals in Paraíba. The Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test instruments, a self-reported illness questionnaire and the Edmonton Frail Scale were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using the chi-square test and Multiple Logistic Regression. Results: The risk of violence was associated in older adults with depression (p=0.001), arthritis or rheumatism (p<0.001), osteoporosis (p<0.001), frailty syndrome (p<0.001). Furthermore, those with arthritis and frailty syndrome had, respectively, 2.37 [CI= 1.43-3.91] and 3.07 [CI=1.88-4.92] greater probability of being at risk of violence. Conclusion: Older adults with chronic diseases and frailty syndrome are more susceptible to the risk of violence. Thus, the discussion on the subject during the training of future nurses becomes essential with regard to gerontological nursing care in the face of this phenomenon.