Ethnic Disparities in Elder Mistreatment and Depression: The Moderating Role of Social Support in Later Life in India

This study examines ethnic disparities in abuse and depression and moderating role of social support among older adults in India. Validated scales were used to examine the levels of depression and mistreatment. Abuse was reported among 24.3% of tribal and 43.5% of non-tribal older adults, while depression was prevalent among 51.3% of non-tribal and 32.5 % of tribal older respondents. Lower and moderate social support were significantly associated with increased abuse and depression among tribal older adults. Female sex, lower income, living alone, functional impairment, and widow/widower status were significant risk factors. Findings support culture-specific interventions to protect older people. .