Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and socioeconomic disadvantage among Portuguese prison inmates and its relationship with current psychopathology

Abstract

Introduction Adverse childhood experiences such as emotional/verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, household dysfunction and parental psychopathology play a role in the development of chronic mental and physical diseases as well as in the development of aggressive and criminal behavior. Objectives/aims Our aim was to explore the prevalence of childhood adversity and social disadvantage among prison inmates in Portugal and its relationship with current psychopathology. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among criminal offenders in a high-security prison in Portugal. Socioeconomic status was evaluated using the Graffar scale. Additionally, we inquired our sample about topics concerning education level, work experience and present social and economic situation. Childhood adversity was measured using yes or no questions evaluating sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse, neglect, family integrity and household dysfunction, parental psychopathology and/or drug abuse, family, school and neighbourhood violence and economic disadvantage. General psychopathology and psychological distress were measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive data is provided for all measured variables, and correlation between the number of childhood adverse events and the BSI total score were calculated using the Spearman's rho. Results/conclusions Since the study is currently ongoing, and data collection will be completed by December 2015, we will only be able to provide final results and conclusions by the time of submission of our work presentation, in March 2016. Total sample size is expected to be in excess of 100 subjects.