Factors Related to Korean Nurses' Willingness to Report Suspected Elder Abuse

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe Korean nurses' willingness to report suspected elder abuse and examine its related factors. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 365 nurses from a hospital completed our questionnaires. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to examine predictors of willingness to report. RESULTS: Sixty-eight nurses (18.6%) were not willing to report suspected elder abuse. In the stepwise logistic regression analysis, fewer years in clinical work, a higher level of knowledge on elder abuse law, and the perception of more severe abuse were found to be significant predictors of willingness to report elder abuse. CONCLUSION: As the Welfare of the Aged Act included a clause on mandated reporters, nurses' role in intervening in elder abuse cases has become more critical. In order to increase nurses' reporting, education on elder abuse should be provided to all nurses, and support programs should be designed for nurses to effectively involve them in reporting elder abuse.