Patterning/Clustering of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): The Indian Scenario

Abstract

Childhood adversities affect an individual’s life negatively. The impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is more profound with the exposure to multiple traumatic experiences. As a global issue, ACEs are widely known for their clustering nature. The current study examines the clustering of ACEs in the Indian setting where no previous studies have been held in this field. From a sample of 559 youth (between 18 and 24 years), selected through multi-stage, stratified sampling from selected colleges in Malappuram, Idukki, and Kollam districts, Kerala, South India, relevant data were collected using the Childhood Experiences of Care and Abuse Questionnaire-2. Descriptive statistics revealed that about 57% of the youth had three or more ACEs. Neglect, antipathy, and psychological abuse were common, whereas physical abuse was the least prevalent one. Risk estimate using crosstab showed that the likelihood of sexual abuse (OR 11.01), neglect (OR 10.87), antipathy (OR 10.81), physical abuse (OR 7.95), and loss (OR 4.83) was greater among youth with three or more ACEs. Further, youth with antipathy was significantly twice more likely to have experienced childhood neglect and vice versa. Physical and sexual abuse also co-occurred (three times), whereas antipathy and psychological abuse were least likely to cluster. Explanations for the current findings detailed with implications, recommendations, and limitations are presented. Findings emphasize the need for epidemiological evaluations of ACEs from multiple perspectives in the Indian setting and also the necessity for preventive efforts at all levels.