Demographic Pattern of Economic Elder Abuse among Retired Army Officers and Men in Bauchi South Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the demographic pattern of economic elder abuse - DPEEA among retired army officers and men (RAOM) in Bauchi South Senatorial District-BSSD, Bauchi State-Nigeria. One research question and a corresponding null hypothesis guided the study. The cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 2024 RAOM, while the sample for the study consisted of 204 RAOM. Researchers designed questionnaire validated by five experts was used for data collection. a reliability index of .85 was obtained through the outcome of pilot testing using split half method. Percentages was used to answer research question while chi-square statistic was used in testing hypothesis at .05 level of significance (p-value = .05). The results of the study showed that DPEEA of RAOM of Christianity was more with cluster mean of 91.9% as against their Islamic counterpart of 89.9%. Furthermore, that of the two religions of the RAOM, the RAOM of Christian fate were subjected to economic elder abuse - EEA more than their Muslims counterpart in delayed pension or periodic financial assistance (Christians’ RAOM = 97.7% > Muslim RAOM = 91.2%). The study further showed that a significant difference was found in the DPEEA of RAOM according to religion (Cal 2 = 68.91 >? 2 tab = 3.84, df = 1, p < .05). In line with the findings of the study, recommendations were proffered among which was that the Clergies and relevant agencies should endeavour to ensure that their congregations and people are encouraged to treat the elderly appropriately especially in the restoration of their dignity by appropriate treatment. This can be done when the elderly are taken care of by their people as they cater for their most fragile needs and demands; such as the need to be provided appropriate adequate meals, paying the elderly their entitlement of pension promptly, not compelling them to do poorly remunerated jobs among many others.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n7p61