Barriers to help-seeking for elder abuse: A qualitative study of older adults.

The identification of barriers to older adults' help-seeking can help develop effective preventive and supportive strategies. The present descriptive qualitative study seeks to explore the barriers to help-seeking for elder abuse in Iran. Eighteen older adults with a history of abuse were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed concurrently with data collection using the conventional content analysis. The barriers to help-seeking for abuse were categorized into three main categories, namely personal attitude toward abuse, the inefficiency of support systems, and dependence on others. Training programs can help promote the knowledge of older adults and their families about abuse and facilitate its prevention. Policy-makers and executive managers can also use the findings of the present study to develop supportive strategies for older adults.