When Problems Only Get Bigger: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experience on Adult Health

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Novais, M (Author) Other; Henriques, T (Author) Other; Vidal Alves, MJ (Author) FMUP; Maria Teresa Andrade (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Frontiers in Psychology

Vol. 12

ISSN: 1664-1078

Publisher: Frontiers Media

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-7VD

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.693420

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Previous studies have shown that adverse childhood experiences negatively impact child development, with consequences throughout the lifespan. Some of these consequences include the exacerbation or onset of several pathologies and risk behaviors. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 398 individuals aged 20 years or older from the Porto metropolitan area, with quotas, was collected. The evaluation was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire that included sociodemographic questions about exposure to adverse childhood experiences, a list of current health conditions, questions about risk behaviors, the AUDIT-C test, the Fagerstrom test and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-brief form. Variables were quantified to measure adverse childhood experiences, pathologies, and risk behaviors in adult individuals for comparison purposes. Results: Individuals with different forms of adverse childhood experiences present higher rates of smoking dependence, self-harm behaviors, victimization of/aggression toward intimate partners, early onset of sexual life, sexually transmitted infections, multiple sexual partners, abortions, anxiety, depression, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, hypertension, and stroke. Different associations are analyzed and presented. Discussion and Conclusions: The results show that individuals with adverse childhood experiences have higher total scores for more risk behaviors and health conditions than individuals without traumatic backgrounds. These results are relevant for health purposes and indicate the need for further research to promote preventive and protective measures.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Dissemination

No. of pages: 12