Comparison Between Initial Elder Abuse and Re-abuse Cases of Korean Elder Protective Service Agencies.

Purpose: Elder abuse continues to be a serious problem that greatly affects the overall health and quality of life of elderly victims. Although abused elders have a substantial risk of re-abuse, very limited knowledge is available about elder re-abuse. This study examines whether differences exist between substantiated initial elder abuse and re-abuse cases in terms of victims', perpetrators', abuse-related, and contextual characteristics. Method: Data were collected from 12 Elder Protective Service (EPS) agencies in South Korea, and EPS caseworkers completed multi-section questionnaires based on case records. Elderly victims' and perpetrators' characteristics, and abuse-related and contextual data were obtained. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 276 substantiated elder abuse cases (90.9% initial abuse, and 9.1% re-abuse cases) were included in this analysis. There are some differences between the initial abuse and re-abuse in the characteristics of victims (income, education), perpetrators (living with the victim, alcohol/substance abuse), and contextual factors (social isolation, relationship with neighbors). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that elderly victims' low-income (OR = 6.42, 95% CI = 1.67–24.74, p <.01) and perpetrators' alcohol/substance abuse problems (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.07- 6.75, p <.05) were associated with a higher likelihood of re-abuse. Conclusions: Victims' low income and perpetrators' alcohol/substance abuse problems should be considered as factors associated with elder re-abuse. This study provides additional knowledge on elder re-abuse and offers implications for practice and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]