The prevalence of mistreatment among the elderly with mental disorders in primary health care settings

Elder mistreatment is a widespread medical and social problem that is often under-recognised by primary care physicians. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of elder mistreatment among elderly patients with mental disorders in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One-hundred-and-eighty-four patients with different mental disorders were asked to complete the EAST questionnaire as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Screening results were evaluated, and patients who had responses associated with 'mistreatment' were invited back to the clinics for additional clinical evaluation. Different types of mistreatment were identified in 71% of all patients. This led to a conclusion that screening for elder mistreatment should be a part of the routine health assessment for all older persons and a part of comprehensive geriatric assessment.