Associations Of Adverse Childhood Experiences Research Articles

Examining childhood and adulthood stressors as risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in working pregnant individuals: A prospective cohort study

AimsThis study aimed to examine the individual and joint associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maternal work and non-work related stressors with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MethodsWorking pregnant individuals (n = 1163) from a United States (U.S.) prospective cohort conducted in South Carolina between 2016 and 2021 were included in the study. ACEs were assessed at study enrollment before 20 gestational weeks (GW), while maternal stressors were assessed in late pregnancy and GDM diagnosis occurred between 24 and 30 GW. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to assess associations of ACEs and maternal stressors with GDM. ResultsChildhood abuse, an ACE subdomain, was associated with an elevated but statistically insignificant risk of GDM (adjusted OR = 1.47; 95 % CI: 0.85–2.53). Only maternal work stressors were associated with an increased risk of GDM (adjusted OR = 2.11; 95 % CI: 1.17–3.79) and the association became much stronger among those with childhood abuse experiences (adjusted OR = 3.80; 95 % CI:1.68–8.60). ConclusionAmong U.S. working pregnant individuals, having work stressors during pregnancy was associated with an elevated risk of developing GDM, particularly among those who had childhood experience of abuse.

Associations of adverse childhood experiences with blood pressure among early adolescents in the United States

The associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with blood pressure in adulthood are inconclusive. Similarly, the association between ACEs and blood pressure earlier in the life course is understudied. This study aims to assess the associations of ACEs with blood pressure among early adolescents. We utilized data collected at baseline (age: 9–10 years) and Year 2 follow-up from 4077 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. We used adjusted multiple linear regression models to estimate the associations of ACEs (cumulative score and subtypes) at baseline with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at year 2 of follow-up. Experiencing ≥4 ACEs (compared to 0) was significantly associated with higher SBP (B = 3.31, 95 % CI 0.03, 6.57, p = 0.048). Of the ACEs subtypes, household substance use (B = 2.28, 95 % CI 0.28, 4.28, p = 0.028) and divorce or separation (B = 2.08, 95 % CI 0.01, 4.15, p = 0.048) were both significantly associated with a higher SBP while household mental illness (B = 2.57, 95 % CI 1.32, 3.81, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with a higher DBP. Our findings suggest that exposure to multiple ACEs is associated with higher blood pressure in adolescence.

Paternal and maternal exposures to adverse childhood experiences and spontaneous fetal loss: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) might be associated with maternal spontaneous fetal loss, while evidence among Chinese population is limited. This study aims to explore the associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among women and their spouses with the risk of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. Data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2014 survey. ACEs were categorized into intra-familial ACEs and extra-familial ACEs. The associations of maternal and paternal ACEs with women's history of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth were investigated by logistic regression. 7,742 women were included with 9.05% and 2.47% experiencing at least one spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, respectively. Women exposed to 2, 3, and ≥ 4 ACEs were at significantly higher odds of spontaneous abortion, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.52 (95% [CI, Confidence Interval] 1.10-2.10), 1.50 (95% CI 1.07-2.09) and 1.68 (95% CI 1.21-2.32), respectively. A significant association between ≥ 4 maternal intra-familial ACEs and stillbirth (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.12-4.42) was also revealed. Furthermore, paternal exposures to 3 and ≥ 4 overall ACEs were significantly associated with their wives' history of spontaneous abortion, with adjusted ORs of 1.81 (95% CI 1.01-3.26) and 1.83 (95% CI 1.03-3.25), respectively. Both maternal and paternal ACEs were associated with spontaneous abortion, and potential mediators might need to be considered to further explore impacts of maternal and paternal ACEs on maternal reproductive health.

Differential associations of adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes in U.S. military veterans

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are robustly associated with adverse mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Military veterans may be particularly vulnerable to adverse mental health effects of ACEs given their potentially higher prevalence of childhood traumas and compounding effects of military service-related traumas. To date, however, scarce research has examined the differential impact of individual ACEs on mental health outcomes in population-based samples of veterans. To address this gap, we analyzed data from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 4069 U.S. veterans, to examine the association between specific ACEs and major depressive, generalized anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorders, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Results of multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that emotional neglect and sexual abuse were most consistently associated with these outcomes, even after adjustment for the number of ACEs endorsed. Collectively, results of this study underscore the importance of assessing for specific ACEs—most notably childhood emotional neglect and sexual abuse—and treating these potentially unresolved childhood traumas in veterans.

Assessment of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adverse Professional Experiences, Depression, and Burnout in USPhysicians.

To assess associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse occupational experiences (AOEs) with depression and burnout in US physicians. We performed a secondary analysis of data from a representative sample survey of US physicians conducted between November 20, 2020, and March 23, 2021, and from a probability-based sample of other US workers. The ACEs, AOEs, burnout, and depression were assessed using previously published measures. Analyses included data from 1125 of the 3671 physicians (30.6%) who received a mailed survey and 6235 of 90,000 physicians (6.9%) who received an electronic survey. The proportion of physicians age 29-65 who had lived with a family member with substance misuse during childhood (673 of 5039[13.4%]) was marginally lower (P <.001) than that of workers in other professions (448 of 2505 [17.9%]). The proportion of physicians age 29-65 who experienced childhood emotional abuse (823 of 5038 [16.3%]) was similar to that of workers in other professions (406 of 2508 [16.2%]). The average physician depression T-score was 49.60 (raw score ± SD, 6.48±3.15), similar to the normed US average. The AOEs were associated with mild to severe depression, including making a recent significant medical error (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.02, P<.001), being named in a malpractice suit (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.59, P=.008), and experiencing one or more coronavirus disease 2019-related AOEs (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.56 to 1.99, P<.001). Having one or more ACEs was associated with mild to severe depression (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.79, P<.001). The ACEs, coronavirus disease 2019-related AOEs, and medical errors were also associated with burnout. Assessing ACEs and AOEs and implementing selective primary prevention interventions may improve population health efforts to mitigate depression and burnout in physicians.

Associations of adverse childhood experiences with common psychiatric disorder in later life: results from the China mental health survey

BackgroundAssociations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and common psychiatric disorders among older Chinese individuals have not been well reported. The objectives of this study are to examine the prevalence of ACEs and the associations of ACEs with common psychiatric disorders among older adults in China.MethodsThe study used data from the China Mental Health Survey (CMHS), a nationally representative epidemiological survey, which used computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), logistic regression models were used to examine community-based adult psychiatric disorders and associated risk factors. Finally, 2,317 individuals aged 60 years or over were included in the CMHS. The national prevalence of ACEs in older adults were estimated and logistic regression were used to analyse the association between ACEs and past-year psychiatric disorders.ResultsPrevalence of ACEs among older adults in China was 18.1%. The three most common types of ACEs were neglect (11.6%), domestic violence (9.2%), and parental loss (9.1%). This study proved the association between ACEs and common past-year psychiatric disorders in older adults. ACEs increased the risk of past-year psychiatric disorders in older adults. After adjustment for age, sex, marital status, employment status, education, rural or urban residence, region, and physical diseases, the association between ACEs and past-year psychiatric disorders were still significant.ConclusionsACEs are linked to an increased risk for past-year psychiatric disorders in older adults. ACEs may have long-term effects on older adults’ mental well-being. Preventing ACEs may help reduce possible adverse health outcomes in later life.

Depressive symptoms mediate associations of adverse childhood experiences and chronic lung diseases: A mediation effect analysis

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been found to be related to the risk of chronic lung diseases (CLDs). However, the role of depressive symptoms (DS) in this link has not been fully examined. The present study aimed to explore the mediating effect of DS on the relationship between ACEs and CLDs. MethodsData for this retrospective cohort study were obtained from participants enrolled in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). To assess DS, the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Research Depression Scale was utilized. Logistic regression was employed to explore the associations between ACEs and DS, ACEs and CLDs, as well as depressive symptoms- chronic lung diseases (DS-CLDs). Mediation analysis was conducted to assess the mediating role of DS in the relationship between ACEs and CLDs. ResultsA total of 12,277 participants, comprising 5942 males and 6335 females, were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis identified associations between ACEs and the risk of DS, CLDs, and DS-CLDs. Mediating effect analysis demonstrated that DS had partial mediating effects on the association between CLDs and 7 ACEs, including feel alone, peer bullied, self-reported poor health status, health limitations, death of siblings, physical abuse, and parental mental health. Additionally, DS fully mediated the relationship between CLDs and hunger. ConclusionsOur study establishes a significant association between ACEs and CLDs, as well as with DS and DS-CLDs in the elderly population. Furthermore, DS acts as a mediating factor in the ACEs and CLDs relationship.

Associations of adverse childhood experiences with caries and toothbrushing in adolescents. The Young-HUNT4 Survey

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor oral health. Using a life course theoretical framework, this study explored the associations of specific and cumulative ACEs with caries and toothbrushing frequency in a Norwegian adolescent population.MethodsParticipants were adolescents (n = 6351) age 13–17 years from The Young-HUNT4 Survey. Clinical data were retrieved from dental health records. Oral health outcomes were toothbrushing frequency, dentine caries experience (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth – DMFT), and enamel caries. ACE exposure variables were physical abuse, sexual abuse, witness to violence, parental separation/divorce, parental alcohol problems, and bully victimization. Negative binominal regression models (incident rate ratios, IRRs; 95% confidence intervals, CIs) were used to determine the associations of the various ACEs with caries; logistic regression analyses (odds ratios, ORs; 95% CIs) were used to estimate associations with toothbrushing frequency. Potential effect modification by age was assessed using likelihood ratio test.ResultsAdolescents exposed to physical abuse by others, sexual abuse by peers, parental separation/divorce, bullying, or who had witnessed violence, were more likely to report non-daily toothbrushing compared with those with no exposure to the given ACEs. Each cumulative increase in ACE exposure was associated with a 30% higher likelihood of non-daily toothbrushing (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19–1.42). Similarly, increasing number of adversities were associated with both higher dentine caries experience (IRR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.09) and higher enamel caries (IRR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11). This effect was modified by age (13–15 vs. 16–17 years) for dentine caries experience. Furthermore, there was evidence of effect modification by age with bully victimization for both toothbrushing frequency (Pinteraction = 0.014) and dentine caries experience (Pinteraction < 0.001). Specifically, bully victimization was associated with a higher likelihood of non-daily toothbrushing (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.80–3.72) and higher dentine caries experience (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14–1.50) among 16–17-year-olds.ConclusionsSeveral specific ACEs were associated with non-daily toothbrushing and a higher caries experience among Norwegian adolescents in the Young-HUNT4 Survey.

Effect modifications of BMI transition and trajectory in the associations of adverse childhood experiences with new-onset dementia and its subtypes in older US adults

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and dementia are associated and comorbid with obesity. However, according to emerging research, the role of obesity in the association between ACEs and dementia seems controversial.AimsThis...

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Social Isolation, Job Strain, and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in U.S. Older Employees.

Stress is a key driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the contribution of psychosocial stressors to the development of CVD has not been systematically examined in United States (U.S.) populations. The objective of this study was to assess prospective associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social isolation, and job strain with CVD mortality. Data were from the large, nationally representative, population-based Health and Retirement Study (HRS). ACEs, social isolation and job strain were assessed using validated survey instruments at baseline between 2006-2008, and death information was followed up through 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine prospective associations of ACEs, social isolation, and job strain with CVD mortality among 4046 older employees free from CVD at baseline. During 42,149 person-years of follow-up time, 59 death cases of CVD were reported. After adjustment for covariates, ACEs and job strain were significantly associated with increased risk of CVD mortality (aHR and 95% CI = 3.67 [1.59, 8.48] and 2.24 [1.21, 4.11], respectively), whereas social isolation demonstrated an inflated but nonsignificant association (aHR and 95% CI = 1.62 [0.72, 3.66]). These findings highlight the role of psychosocial exposures as novel and clinically relevant risk factors for CVD.

As the Twig is Bent so the Tree is Inclined? Exploring the Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Relational Impairments in Ghana.

Studies on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which have been conducted predominantly with samples from Western cultures have found ACEs to be associated with poor health outcomes and relational impairments in adulthood. This study sought to contribute to the ACEs literature by investigating the long-term consequences of ACEs on the interpersonal functioning of adult survivors in Ghana, a non-Western culture. In the current study, the associations of five ACEs (high parental conflict, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect) with four types of relational impairments (alienation, insecure attachment, egocentricity, and social incompetence) were examined using a community sample of 403 adults who retrospectively provided self-reports of ACEs. The most frequently reported ACE in this sample was high parental conflict, while sexual abuse was the least frequently reported ACE. Participants with ACE histories had significantly more relational impairments than those with no ACE histories, however multiple regression analyses revealed no significant relational impairments in adulthood following any ACE experience, whether alone or in any combination, suggesting that cultural values such as collectivism and religiosity may play a protective role against ACEs negative effects in the interpersonal domain. The study's limitations, and the implications of these findings for the Ghanaian and other similar contexts are discussed.

Abstract P259: Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Cardiovascular Health (Life’s Essential 8) Among Women in Midlife

Introduction: Many women experience suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) during midlife and CVH is related to upstream social, behavioral and environmental factors. However, associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) - more common among women - with CVH are understudied. Hypothesis: ACEs would be associated with poorer CVH among women in midlife. Methods: At mean (SD) 50.9 (5.1) years, participants in the Project Viva cohort completed questionnaires and research staff measured their height, weight, blood pressure, and blood levels of glucose, HbA1c and cholesterol. We calculated Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), a 0-100-point score that includes 8 components of CVH: heart healthy levels of diet, physical activity, sleep, avoidance of nicotine, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure. In 2021, women reported their personal history of ACEs (10 possible types) prior to age 18y. We used linear regression models adjusted for childhood SES measures (race/ethnicity, parental education, US birth) and age at outcome. Results: Among 319 participants, 114 (36%) reported 0 ACEs and 58 (18%) reported ≥4 ACEs. In midlife, mean (SD) LE8 score was 77 (12) points. In age-adjusted models, ACEs (4+ vs 0) were associated with poorer LE8 score (β -6.15; 95% CI -9.91, -2.40) and behavioral (β -5.84; CI -9.98, -1.69) and biological (β -6.47; CI -11.8, -1.12) domains; covariate adjustment attenuated the results, though the trends remained significant for LE8 and behavioral domain (Figure). In fully adjusted models, each additional ACE was associated with poorer LE8 score (β -0.74; CI -1.44, -0.04) and associations were stronger for ACEs related to abuse (β -2.72; CI -5.57, 0.12) and neglect (-2.48; CI -5.81, 0.85). Of the LE8 components (0-100-points), associations were strongest for glucose (β -1.76; CI -2.85, -0.67) and physical activity (β -1.86; CI -3.92, 0.20). Conclusions: Adverse childhood experiences may have persistent associations with several measures of cardiovascular health among women into midlife.

Abstract P320: Adverse Childhood Experiences Are Associated With Greater Adiposity in Midlife Women: Findings From the Prospective Project Viva Cohort

Introduction: The associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with adiposity are not well characterized in midlife women, a life stage when cardiometabolic risk increases substantially. Hypothesis: More reported adverse childhood experiences are associated with greater body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Methods: At mean (SD) 51.0 (5.0) years, 432 participants in the Project Viva cohort completed questionnaires and research staff measured height and weight (used to derive BMI) and waist circumference. Women self-reported personal history of ACEs (10 possible types in 3 subdomains: abuse, neglect, and household challenges) prior to 18 years old. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate associations of ACEs with BMI and waist circumference and adjusted for childhood social factors including parental education, US birth, and race/ethnicity. Results: Mean (SD) ACE score was 1.7 (1.9), BMI was 27.4 (6.2) kg/m 2 and WC was 91.8 (15.3) cm. In unadjusted models, each additional ACE was associated with higher BMI (β =0.49kg/m 2 , 95% CI: 0.18, 0.80) and greater waist circumference (β =0.94cm, 95% CI: 0.18, 1.71). Adjusting for childhood social factors reduced associations and 95% CIs included the null (BMI: 0.19kg/m 2 , 95% CI: -0.13, 0.51; WC: 0.35cm, 95% CI: -0.45, 1.14). Associations were stronger for ACEs related to abuse and neglect versus household challenges in unadjusted and adjusted models (Figure). Adjusting for childhood social factors attenuated the associations for neglect and household challenges subdomains, but less so for abuse. Conclusions: Adverse childhood experiences are associated with greater adiposity measures in midlife women. The differing associations of ACEs subdomains with adiposity indicate that these outcomes may be more strongly related to the type of ACE someone experiences than solely the number of ACEs experienced.

Childhood Trauma and Parkinson Disease: Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Disease Severity, and Quality of Life.

Childhood trauma has been shown to be associated with adverse health outcomes that can last a lifetime. The effects of trauma have not been evaluated in a Parkinson disease (PD) population. The goal of this study was to survey individuals with PD to evaluate whether the intensity of childhood trauma is associated with individual symptoms, overall disease severity, or quality of life. An Internet-based observational survey was designed to evaluate modifiable variables associated with PD progression. In this cross-sectional analysis, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were used as a measure of childhood trauma, patient-reported outcomes in PD for the primary measure of PD severity, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global for quality of life (QoL). Seven hundred twelve of 900 participants (79%) responded to the questions related to childhood trauma. Among respondents, QoL decreased as incidence of childhood trauma increased. Individuals with ACE scores 4 or higher reported greater symptom severity for 45% of the variables tested, including apathy, muscle pain, daytime sleepiness, restless leg syndrome, depression, fatigue, comprehension, and anxiety (p < 0.05) compared with individuals with trauma scores of zero. These data suggest childhood trauma is associated with a mild increase in overall patient-reported PD severity, specifically mood and other nonmotor and motor symptoms. While the associations were statistically significant, the impact of trauma was less robust than previously described predictors of severity, such as diet, exercise, and social connection. Future research should attempt to include more diverse populations, attempt to improve the response rate of these sensitive questions, and, most importantly, determine whether the adverse outcomes associated with childhood trauma can be mitigated with lifestyle modification, psychosocial support, and intervention in adulthood.

Exploring associations of adverse childhood experiences with patterns of 11 health risk behaviors in Chinese adolescents: focus on gender differences

PurposeAdolescents exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are at increased risk for health-compromising behaviors. However, few studies have investigated how ACEs correlate with patterns of health risk behaviors (HRBs) during adolescence, a crucial developmental period. The aim was to extend the current knowledge about the relationship between ACEs and HRB patterns among adolescents, and to explore gender differences.MethodsA multi-centered population-based survey was conducted in 24 middle schools in three provinces across China between 2020 and 2021. A total of 16,853 adolescents effectively completed anonymous questionnaires covering exposure to eight ACE categories and 11 HRBs. Clusters were identified using latent class analysis. Logistic regression models were utilized to test the association between them.ResultsThere were four classes of HRB patterns: “Low all” (58.35%), “Unhealthy lifestyle” (18.23%), “Self-harm” (18.42%), and “High all” (5.0%). There were significant differences between HRB patterns in terms of the different numbers and types of ACEs in three logistic regression models. Specifically, compared to “Low all,” different types of ACEs were positively associated with the three other HRB patterns, and there were significant trends toward increase in the three latent classes of HRBs with higher ACEs. In general, females with ACEs had a higher risk of “High all” except sexual abuse than males.ConclusionOur study comprehensively considers the association between ACEs and aggregation categories of HRBs. The results support efforts to improve clinical healthcare, and future work may explore protective factors based on individual, family, and peer education to mitigate the negative trajectory of ACEs.

Intergenerational Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adolescent Engagement in High-Risk Behaviors

Purpose: While the association between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and negative health outcomes in adulthood is well established, very few studies have examined the cumulative impact of ACEs across generations (intergenerational ACEs – caregiver and youth) on health outcomes in adolescence. The purpose of this study is to examine whether intergenerational ACEs are associated with an increased likelihood of participation by youth in high-risk behaviors including tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, engagement in sexual activity, or result in higher rates of affective disorders such as depression. Methods: 234 caregiver-youth dyads were recruited via a convenience sample from pediatric clinics at East Tennessee State University and Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Participant dyads completed a survey assessing both caregiver and youth ACEs, youth depression, and youth participation in high-risk behaviors. Caregiver-youth dyads were sorted into an ACEs matrix with the following groups: Low Caregiver-Low Youth ACEs (LC-LY), Low Caregiver-High Youth ACEs (LC-HY), High Caregiver-Low Youth ACEs (HC-LY), and High Caregiver-High Youth ACEs (HC-HY). Results: HC-HY dyads were 11.4 times more likely to report moderate to severe depression compared to LC-LY dyads (p&lt;0.01). HC-HY dyads were 4.5, 3.3, and 7.5 times more likely to have youth participate in alcohol use (p&lt;0.05), vaping (p&lt;0.05), and sexual activity (p&lt;0.01), respectively, compared to LC-LY dyads. Conclusions: Intergenerational ACEs exposure was related to greater youth engagement in high-risk behaviors and risk of depression. Assessing both caregiver and youth ACEs would better identify youth at risk for alcohol use, vaping, sexual debut, and depression.

Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences With Pregnancy and Infant Health

Adverse childhood experiences are associated with a host of negative outcomes; however, few have studied cumulative adverse childhood experiences in the context of pregnancy and infant health. This study examines state-level prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and associations with pregnancy- and infant health‒related indicators. The study used 2016-2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System population-based data from 5 states. Analyses were conducted for individual states and grouped states using similar adverse childhood experience items. Thirteen adverse childhood experience measures were included across 3 domains: abuse, neglect, and household challenges. Adverse childhood experience scores were calculated for the number of adverse childhood experiences experienced (0, 1, 2, ≥3) on the basis of available state measures. Fourteen pregnancy- and infant health‒related indicators were examined, including unwanted pregnancy, adequate prenatal care, experiences during pregnancy (e.g., smoking, abuse, depression), gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, birth outcomes (e.g., preterm birth), and breastfeeding. Adjusting for demographics, parity, health insurance status, and educational attainment, prevalence ratios and 95% CIs were calculated to examine the associations between pregnancy- and infant health‒related indicators and adverse childhood experience scores. Over 50% of respondents reported at least 1 adverse childhood experience and 13%-31% reported ≥3 adverse childhood experiences, depending on the state. Significant associations were identified in all adjusted models between adverse childhood experiences and unwanted pregnancy, smoking, physical abuse, and depression during pregnancy. Adverse childhood experiences are associated with risk factors that impact pregnancy and infant health. Preventing and mitigating adverse childhood experiences is an important strategy to improve pregnancy- and infant health‒related indicators.

Associations of adverse childhood experiences with substance use and depression: the role of prenatal support

This study aimed to examine; 1) whether maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with perinatal substance use and depressive symptoms, and 2) whether this association is mediated by prenatal family and baby father’s social support.

The Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) With Substance Use in Young Adults: A Systematic Review.

Young adulthood is a transitional period between adolescence and adulthood. Due to the unique pressures of taking on a new social role and associated uncertainties, young adults are at heightened risk for drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increases the likelihood of using maladaptive coping strategies such as using substances to avoid or soothe negative emotions. The current review aimed to summarize the associations between exposure to ACEs before the age of 18 years and subsequent drug or alcohol use between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The review was performed in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search of the Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases was conducted in February 2022. The initial search yielded 7178 articles, with 777 duplicates. Consequently, 6401 titles were inspected for relevance. After reading the full text, 88 articles were included in the review. This review provides clear evidence that exposure to multiple ACEs is a robust risk factor for the use of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs by young adults. Poor self-regulation and maladaptive coping strategies were identified as mechanisms explaining this link; however, further detailed research is needed.

Adulthood Psychosocial Disadvantages and Risk of Hypertension in U.S. Workers: Effect Modification by Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Hypertension is a key driver of cardiovascular diseases. However, how stressors contribute to the development of hypertension remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine prospective associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adulthood psychosocial disadvantages (APDs) with incident hypertension. Data were from the Mid-life in the United States (MIDUS) study, a national, population-based, prospective cohort study. ACEs were examined via retrospective reports, and APDs including work stress and social isolation were assessed using survey measures. Incident hypertension was defined based on self-reported physician diagnosis. Baseline data were collected in 1995, with follow-up in 2004–2006 and 2013–2014. Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to assess prospective associations of ACEs and APDs with incident hypertension in 2568 workers free from hypertension at baseline. After adjustment for covariates, baseline APDs were associated with increased incident hypertension (aHR and 95% CI = 1.48 [1.09, 2.01]) during a 20-year follow-up, whereas ACEs showed null associations. Moreover, a moderating effect by ACEs was observed—the effect of APDs on risk of hypertension was stronger when ACEs were present (aHR and 95% CI = 1.83 [1.17, 2.86]). These findings underscore the importance of psychosocial stressors as nontraditional risk factors of cardiometabolic disorders.