Date of Award

December 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Foundations & Research

First Advisor

Virginia Clinton-Lisell

Abstract

Elder abuse is a significant public health issue, with findings indicating that 9% to 10% of older adults in the United States experience abuse. This figure is likely mirrored among Indigenous Peoples residing within tribal boundaries, although specific data is scarce. This study aims to fill the gap in understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with elder abuse among United States Indigenous Peoples (USIP) through a secondary data analysis of the Native Elder Maltreatment Survey (NEMS). The NEMS employs two key instruments: the Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HS EAST), which is validated for community use, and the Native Elder Life Scales (NELS), the only USIP-specific tool targeting elder abuse. Our research explores contextual characteristics and regional patterns of elder abuse, revealing that nearly 38% of participants reported experiencing some form of abuse. The findings underscore the need for effective interventions to protect elders in their communities.

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