Purpose: To quantitatively pool the overall prevalence of self-neglect in older adults and provide evidence-based information for healthcare professionals to develop preventive measures.
Methods: Systematically and thoroughly searched ten databases from inception to September 1, 2024 and we pooled the prevalence of self-neglect in older adults using a random-effects model based on the Stata 15.0 software.
Results: In our meta-analysis, 21 studies were included, and the estimated prevalence rate of self-neglect among older adults was 27% (95% CI: 23%-30%). We found that the incidence of self-neglect was higher in males, aged 80 years, developing countries, hospitals, and using the Elder Self-Neglect Questionnaire assessment tool.
Conclusion: Self-neglect is a common and underestimated phenomenon in older adults, and the prevalence rate of self-neglect is high. Several epidemiological characteristics such as gender, age, countries, settings, and definition criteria were associated with its prevalence. It deserves early screening and targeted intervention by using a globally accepted definition of self-neglect to prevent older adults from self-neglect.
Implications for nursing practice: Our study can provide clinical evidence for nursing staff and healthcare professionals to identify high-risk groups of self-neglect in older adults.
目的: 定量分析老年人自我忽视发生率的现况, 为健康照护专业人员制定预防措施提供循证依据。 方法: 采用Stata 15.0软件构建随机效应模型, 系统、全面地检索10个数据库, 检索时间从建库至2024年9月1日。 结果: 共纳入21篇文献, 估计老年人自我忽视现患率为27% (95% CI: 23%–30%)。自我忽视的发生率在男性、80岁以上、发展中国家、医院、使用ESNQ评估工具人群中较高。 结论: 自我忽视在老年人中普遍存在且在临床实践中被低估, 老年人自我忽视的患病率较高。性别、年龄、国家、环境和定义标准等流行病学特征影响其患病率。应采用全球公认的自我忽视定义进行早期筛查和针对性干预, 以防止老年人发生自我忽视。 对护理实践的启示: 本研究可为护理人员及医疗保健人员识别老年人自我忽视高危人群提供循证依据。.
Keywords: meta‐analysis; older adults; prevalence; self‐neglect; systematic review.
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