Adverse childhood experiences: association with physical and mental health conditions among older adults in Bhutan

Abstract

ObjectivesAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are events stressful, traumatic, and related to the development of a wide range of health conditions throughout the person's lifespan. This study explored the relationship between ACEs and health conditions among older adults in Bhutan. Study designCross-sectional survey. MethodsOlder adults aged 60–101 years (n = 337) completed a face-to-face interview in a convenient community setting in the four major towns of Bhutan. Measurements included the modified World Health Organization Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire and the checklist of chronic health conditions. ResultsCommonest ACEs reported by the sample were related to the contribution of physical labour in childhood (n = 284 [84.3%]) and witnessing of community violence (n = 185 [54.9%]). Assuming an adult role while still a child highly co-occur with other forms of ACEs. Compared to 0–2 ACEs, participants with ≥7 ACEs had the higher odds of reporting lung disease (odds ratio [OR] = 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–4.49), visual impairment (OR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.16–4.85), insomnia (OR = 2.35, 95%CI: 1.11–4.98), and memory decline (OR = 2.30, 95%CI: 1.10–4.78) by twofold and high blood pressure by threefold (OR = 3.21, 95%CI: 1.39–7.38). Overall, the odds of self-rated poor health conditions among those ≥7 ACEs compared to 0–2 ACEs was high by almost twofold (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.04–3.73). ConclusionsThe influence of ACEs on health conditions persisted into late adulthood, and older people in Bhutan have had a complex variety of chronic health conditions implicating greater demand on the free healthcare system in Bhutan. ACEs prevention is critical to promote better health for a country like Bhutan, where the healthcare services are provided free of cost to its citizens.