Prevalence and Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences in an Interdisciplinary, School-Based Pediatric Clinic.

Abstract

This study's purpose was to ascertain the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a pediatric population and their connection to other health history information. Using health history data, a retrospective, descriptive study was undertaken with 1,028 children seen at a school-based, interprofessional clinic over 1 academic year. Nearly 58% of children had at least one ACE, and 9.5% had four or more, similar to the prevalence of ACEs in adults reported in the original study by Felitti et al. (1998). With increasing ACEs, children had higher rates of intrauterine drug exposure, intensive care on delivery, homelessness, substance abuse, behavioral problems, mental illness, learning difficulties, and weight issues. Because ACEs are prevalent among children, pediatric providers should use trauma-informed care principles and teach and model a loving and supportive adult presence in children's lives.