Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Risk of Lifetime Suicide Attempts

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to examine the effect of adverse childhood experiences (hereafter ACE) on the risk of lifetime suicide attempts. Methods Cross-sectional data of a sample of 1,396 individuals aged 18-64 years were obtained from the Korean General Social Survey (KGSS) in 2012. Frequency, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression were conducted, utilizing both the SPSS 25.0 and Stata 16. Additionally, population attributable fractions (hereafter PAF) were calculated to determine the proportion of lifetime suicide attempts attributable to ACE. Results First, parental divorce or separation, witnessing intimate partner violence, and sexual victimization, each increased the risk of lifetime suicide attempts by three times. Compared with those without ACE, the cumulative risk odds of lifetime suicide attempts increased more than five times among those with four or more ACE. Additionally, the estimated PAF for lifetime suicide attempts to cumulative ACE scores ranged from 8% to 14% among the participants. A substantial proportion of suicide attempts was attributable to the increasing number of ACE. Conclusion The risk of experiencing lifetime suicide attempts increased with increasing ACE scores. ACE prevention actions should carefully consider how ACE may exacerbate the risk of lifetime suicide attempts. Keywords: adverse childhood experiences, ACE, suicide attempts, PAF, KGSS