Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Childhood Atopic Dermatitis in the United States.

Abstract

Traumatic and stressful events of childhood, known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), have been associated with numerous health outcomes. However, little is known about ACEs in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. We sought to determine the relationship between ACEs and childhood AD. Data were analyzed from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal birth cohort study that followed 4898 women and their children born in large US cities. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographics were constructed to determine the associations of ACEs with AD prevalence at ages 5, 9, and 15 years. Children who experienced 1 ACE (multivariable logistic regression; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.86), 2 ACEs (1.49; 95% CI, 1.10-2.02), or 3 or more ACEs (2.10; 95% CI, 1.52-2.89) had significantly increased odds of AD history compared with children without ACEs at age 5 years. Children who experienced 3 or more ACEs (1.48; 95% CI, 1.09-2.01) had significantly increased odds of AD history compared with children without ACEs at age 9 years. There were no significant associations between ACEs and history of AD at age 15 years. In conclusion, ACE exposures are related to childhood AD across time. Children who experience a greater number of ACEs have higher prevalence of AD.