Childhood adversities and related mental health among children in socialization centers

Abstract

Abstract Background Life course paradigm provides a comprehensive overview of different determinants and mental health outcomes during the life course. Childhood adversities experienced in early adulthood are related to poor mental and physical health in the future. The aim of the study was to identify relations between experienced childhood adversities and mental health outcomes among children in socialization centers and regional high schools (HS) in Lithuania. Methods A prevalence study was conducted in all 3 socialization centers (SC) in Lithuania (n = 35) and two regional high schools (n = 96) among 13-18 year old’s. Anonymous individual interviews were conducted in 2018. Descriptive statistics using SPSS was applied for assessment of adverse life events, mental health risk factors and outcomes (%). Pearson chi square, Fisher test, Kruskal - Wallis H were applied for comparison and statistical significance (p ≤ 0,05). Results Prevalence of bullying among children in SC was 77.1% (47.9% among HS children), parental divorce - 60% (27% HS), parental criminal behavior - 40 % (2.1% HS), family violence - 48.6% (16.7% HS), physical abuse - 62.9% (9.4% HS), parental alcohol use - 40% (13.5% HS). 74.3% among children in SC experienced neglect, physical traumas (39.6% HS), prevalence of suicidal behavior was 25.7% and 6.25% accordingly. Criminal behavior, alcohol, substance abuse and smoking were much more prevalent among children in socialization centers than among high school children (p < 0.01). Conclusions Children in socialization centers had higher exposure of childhood adversities and poorer mental health outcomes. High prevalence of adversities was related to poor parenting skills as well as toxic family and social environment. Key messages Childhood adversities experienced in early adulthood are related to poor mental and physical health as well as deprivation of social performance in later life. Childhood adversities are more prevalent among children in socialization centres than in regional high schools.