Physical abuse of urban Native Americans

To ascertain the extent of, and risk factors for, physical abuse among olde r urban American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), we conducted a chart revie w of 550 urban AI/AN primary care patients greater than or equal to 50 year s old seen during 1 year. Mistreatment was documented in 10%. A logistic re gression found younger age (P < .001), female gender (P < .001), current de pression (P < .001), and dependence on others for food (P < .05) to be sign ificant correlates of physical abuse. In only 31% of instances of definite abuse were the authorities notified. We conclude that providers should be a lert to the possibility of physical mistreatment among older urban AI/ANs. Improvements in detection and management are sorely needed.