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2.
Neumol. pediátr. (En línea) ; 19(3): 74-77, sept. 2024.
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: biblio-1572064

ABSTRACT

Las experiencias adversas en la infancia (EAI) tienen un impacto considerable en la salud física y mental de los niños y adolescentes. Esta revisión bibliográfica se centra en la asociación entre estas experiencias y la incidencia de síntomas asmáticos, así como en las alteraciones inmunológicas en la población pediátrica. Los estudios revisados muestran una correlación significativa entre la exposición a EAI y el asma, destacando la importancia de un enfoque biopsicosocial para su manejo. Además, se discuten las implicancias clínicas y las precauciones necesarias al interpretar estos hallazgos.


Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents. This literature review focuses on the association between these experiences and the incidence of asthma symptoms, as well as immunological alterations in the pediatric population. The reviewed studies show a significant correlation between ACE exposure and asthma, highlighting the importance of a biopsychosocial approach for its management. Additionally, the clinical implications and necessary precautions when interpreting these findings are discussed.


Subject(s)
Humans , Child , Asthma/psychology , Psychology, Child , Adverse Childhood Experiences
3.
Child Abuse Negl ; 155: 106997, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39208600

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized as significant predictors of poor mental health in adulthood. Latin America presents several unique challenges regarding ACEs, such as higher prevalence of violence and income and political inequality. However, little is known about this issue from nationally representative samples in the region, particularly in Chile. OBJECTIVE: This investigation examines the association between individual and cumulative ACE scores and seven self-reported mental health conditions (substance abuse, depression, PTSD, generalized anxiety, suicide ideation, non-suicidal self-harm, and learning disorders) in a representative Chilean urban sample. METHODS: A representative urban sample of 2101 adult Chileans completed the International Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and disclosed any prior mental health diagnoses. RESULTS: Around 40 % of the sample had experienced four or more ACEs in their lifetime. For these individuals, the risk of reporting a mental health disorder was significantly higher. Several logistic regression analyses were conducted to address the associations between ACEs and the seven mental health conditions. Notably, sexual abuse, bullying, and exposure to collective violence were the ACEs most strongly associated with self-reported mental health issues. Additionally, a cumulative ACE score was found to be a significant predictor of having a previous mental health diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant predictive association between exposure to collective violence and six out of the seven self-reported mental health disorders. Similarly, sexual abuse demonstrated an association with all mental health conditions. Finally, individuals who experienced four or more ACEs had a notably higher chance of reporting a previous mental health diagnosis. We recommend conducting further ACE research in Latin America due to its cultural and contextual singularities.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Mental Disorders , Self Report , Humans , Chile/epidemiology , Female , Male , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Mental Disorders/psychology , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Surveys and Questionnaires , Urban Population/statistics & numerical data , Child
4.
Obes Rev ; 25(11): e13809, 2024 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39075564

ABSTRACT

This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) linked to overweight or obesity in adolescents. Twenty-eight studies (cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort) were included, which described individuals with a history of ACE or adverse family experiences, such as physical, emotional, or psychological abuses; neglect; exposure to domestic violence or peer violence; and sexual abuse. Body mass index (BMI) or BMI z score was used by the study to define adolescents with overweight or obesity. Adolescents who reported childhood experiences, mainly physical, sexual, and emotional abuses, were more associated with overweight/obesity, especially those who experienced four or more ACEs. Network meta-analysis indicated that physical, sexual, and neglect were the most common ACEs associated with obesity in adolescents. Due to significant differences and imprecision among the studies, network meta-analysis was inconclusive in determining the impact of other types of ACE on outcomes. However, evidence suggests that exposure to sexual and physical abuse, as well as neglect, is associated with adolescents who are obese or overweight, as well as with the number of ACE experienced. The study presented evidence suggesting that dealing with many ACEs may be a risk factor for overweight and obesity in adolescents.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Pediatric Obesity , Adolescent , Humans , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Adverse Childhood Experiences/psychology , Body Mass Index , Child Abuse/psychology , Child Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Network Meta-Analysis , Overweight/psychology , Pediatric Obesity/psychology , Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology , Risk Factors
5.
Neuroscience ; 554: 52-62, 2024 Aug 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38992564

ABSTRACT

Undergraduate students are frequently afflicted by major depressive disorder (MDD). Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. There is no information regarding whether mild outpatient MDD (SDMD) and first episode SDMD (FE-SDMD) are accompanied by O&NS. The current study compared lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced protein oxidation products, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), thiol groups, plasma total antioxidant potential (TRAP), and paraoxonase 1 activities among SDMD and FE-SDMD patients versus healthy controls. We found that SDMD and FE-SDMD exhibit elevated MDA and NOx, and decreased TRAP and LOOH as compared with controls. There was a significant and positive correlation between O&NS biomarkers and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and negative life events (NLEs). O&NS pathways, NLEs and ACEs accounted for 51.7 % of the variance in the phenome of depression, and O&NS and NLS explained 42.9 % of the variance in brooding. Overall, these results indicate that SDMD and FE-SDMD are characterized by reduced total antioxidant defenses and increased aldehyde and NOx production. The combined effects of oxidative and psychological stressors are substantially associated with the manifestation of SDMD.


Subject(s)
Malondialdehyde , Nitric Oxide , Oxidative Stress , Stress, Psychological , Students , Humans , Male , Female , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Malondialdehyde/blood , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Young Adult , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Students/psychology , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Depression/metabolism , Depression/psychology , Adult , Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism , Nitrosative Stress/physiology , Universities , Biomarkers/blood , Adolescent , Adverse Childhood Experiences
6.
Cien Saude Colet ; 29(7): e04012024, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38958329

ABSTRACT

This study aims to analyze the association between bullying behaviors, adverse childhood experiences and social capital in late adolescence. Secondary school students aged 15-19 of a metropolitan region of Brazil were recruited for a sectional epidemiological survey, with a sample of 2,281 students, stratified by municipality of school location. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed from three instruments: Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, Childhood Adversity History Questionnaire and Integrated Questionnaire to Measure Social Capital, in adapted versions. The results showed that the factors associated with bullying victims were gender and adversity in childhood. The factors associated to bullying aggressors were gender, childhood adversities, and cognitive social capital. And the factors associated with bullying aggressor-victims were gender, childhood adversities, and cognitive social capital. It is concluded that bullying is associated with adversity in childhood and also with cognitive social capital and they point out the need to address the causes of violence in order to provide a healthy and safe development for children and adolescents, preventing negative outcomes for physical and mental health.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Bullying , Social Capital , Students , Humans , Bullying/statistics & numerical data , Bullying/psychology , Adolescent , Female , Male , Brazil/epidemiology , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Young Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires , Students/psychology , Students/statistics & numerical data , Crime Victims/statistics & numerical data , Crime Victims/psychology , Sex Factors , Violence/statistics & numerical data , Violence/psychology
7.
Schizophr Res ; 270: 102-110, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38889654

ABSTRACT

The present study examined three empirically-derived childhood adversity dimensions as predictors of social, psychological, and symptom outcomes across three prospective assessments of a young adult sample. Participants were assessed five times over eight years with semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The analyses used the dimensions underlying multiple subscales from well-established childhood adversity measures administered at the first two assessment waves (described in a previous report). Outcome data pertain to the last three assessment waves, with sample sizes ranging from 89 to 169. As hypothesized, the childhood adversity dimensions demonstrated overlapping and differential longitudinal associations with the outcomes. Deprivation predicted the negative (deficit-like) dimension of psychosis, while Threat and Intrafamilial Adversity predicted the positive (psychotic-like) dimension. Depression and anxiety symptoms were predicted by different childhood adversity dimensions over time. Furthermore, Threat predicted a smaller and less diverse social network, Intrafamilial Adversity predicted anxious attachment, and Deprivation predicted a smaller social network, anxious and avoidant attachment, perceived social support, and loneliness. The three adversity dimensions combined accounted for moderate to large proportions of variance in several outcomes. These results extend prior work by identifying associations of three meaningful dimensions of childhood adversity with different risk profiles across psychological, social, and psychopathological domains. The findings enhance our understanding of the impact of childhood adversity across young adulthood.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Anxiety , Depression , Psychotic Disorders , Humans , Female , Male , Longitudinal Studies , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Young Adult , Adolescent , Social Support , Adult Survivors of Child Adverse Events/psychology , Adult Survivors of Child Adverse Events/statistics & numerical data
8.
Psychiatry Res ; 339: 115997, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38941862

ABSTRACT

This study examined the association of clinical factors, independent of sex and high psychosocial adversity (HPAd), with the presence of ADHD or other mental disorders, specifically within a middle-income country with a non-Caucasian population. A multi-centric cross-sectional study was conducted in three sites in Colombia. Our study recruited trios of an ADHD proband, one sibling, and one parent. We used valid instruments for assessing parents and siblings. The sample included 223 siblings, an average age of 12.3 (SD 3.9), and 51.1% Females. The ADHD recurrence risk ratio (λ) was 12. The clinical factors mainly associated with the presence of ADHD, independent of sex and HPAd, were 1) Pregnancy and childbirth complications, 2) Delayed psychomotor development, 3) Temperament, and 4) Sleep disturbances. Our research showed that, independently of HPAd and the male sex, there were other clinical factors associated with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders in this population. These findings need to be replicated in similar populations globally.


Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , Mental Disorders , Siblings , Humans , Female , Male , Colombia , Siblings/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Child , Adolescent , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Sex Factors , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors
9.
Neurosci Biobehav Rev ; 162: 105697, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710422

ABSTRACT

The lifespan is influenced by adverse childhood experiences that create predispositions to poor health outcomes. Here we propose an allostatic framework of childhood experiences and their impact on health across the lifespan, focusing on Latin American and Caribbean countries. This region is marked by significant social and health inequalities nested in environmental and social stressors, such as exposure to pollution, violence, and nutritional deficiencies, which critically influence current and later-life health outcomes. We review several manifestations across cognition, behavior, and the body, observed at the psychological (e.g., cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioral dysfunctions), brain (e.g., alteration of the development, structure, and function of the brain), and physiological levels (e.g., dysregulation of the body systems and damage to organs). To address the complexity of the interactions between environmental and health-related factors, we present an allostatic framework regarding the cumulative burden of environmental stressors on physiological systems (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine) related to health across the life course. Lastly, we explore the relevance of this allostatic integrative approach in informing regional interventions and public policy recommendations. We also propose a research agenda, potentially providing detailed profiling and personalized care by assessing the social and environmental conditions. This framework could facilitate the delivery of evidence-based interventions and informed childhood-centered policy-making.


Subject(s)
Allostasis , Humans , Allostasis/physiology , Latin America/epidemiology , Adverse Childhood Experiences , Stress, Psychological
10.
Biochem J ; 481(10): 615-642, 2024 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38722301

ABSTRACT

Early-life adversities, whether prenatal or postnatal exposure, have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes later in life increasing the risk of several psychiatric disorders. Research on its neurobiological consequences demonstrated an association between exposure to adversities and persistent alterations in the structure, function, and connectivity of the brain. Consistent evidence supports the idea that regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms are involved in embedding the impact of early-life experiences in the genome and mediate between social environments and later behavioral phenotypes. In addition, studies from rodent models and humans suggest that these experiences and the acquired risk factors can be transmitted through epigenetic mechanisms to offspring and the following generations potentially contributing to a cycle of disease or disease risk. However, one of the important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms, unlike genetic sequences that are fixed and unchangeable, is that although the epigenetic markings are long-lasting, they are nevertheless potentially reversible. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the mental health consequences derived from early-life exposure to malnutrition, maltreatment and poverty, adversities with huge and pervasive impact on mental health. We also discuss the evidence about transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and experimental data suggesting that suitable social and pharmacological interventions could reverse adverse epigenetic modifications induced by early-life negative social experiences. In this regard, these studies must be accompanied by efforts to determine the causes that promote these adversities and that result in health inequity in the population.


Subject(s)
Epigenesis, Genetic , Mental Disorders , Humans , Animals , Mental Disorders/genetics , Mental Disorders/etiology , Mental Health , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/genetics , Pregnancy , Female , Adverse Childhood Experiences , DNA Methylation
11.
J Psychiatr Res ; 175: 323-332, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38759498

ABSTRACT

Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis represents one of the most consistent pathophysiological findings in depressive disorders. Cortisol signaling is affected by proteins that mediate its cellular responses or alters its availability to mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. In our study, we evaluated candidate genes that may influence the risk for depression and suicide due to its involvement in cortisol signaling. The aim of the study was to assess whether the genotypes of these genes are associated with the risk for depression, severity of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. And whether there is interaction between genes and early-life stress. In this study, 100 healthy controls and 140 individuals with depression were included. The subjects were clinically assessed using the 21-item GRID-Hamilton questionnaires (GRID-HAMD-21), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). A robust multifactorial dimensionality reduction analysis was used to characterize the interactions between the genes HSD11B1, NR3C1, NR3C2, and MDR1 and early-life stress. It was found a significant association of the heterozygous genotype of the MDR1 gene rs1128503 polymorphism with reduced risk of at least one suicide attempt (OR: 0.08, p = 0.003*) and a reduction in the number of suicide attempts (ß = -0.79, p = 0.006*). Furthermore, it was found that the MDR1 rs1228503 and NR3C2 rs2070951 genes interact with early-life stress resulting in a strong association with depression (p = 0.001). Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in the MDR1 and NR3C2 genes and their interaction with childhood trauma may be important biomarkers for depression and suicidal behaviors.


Subject(s)
Epistasis, Genetic , Hydrocortisone , Receptors, Glucocorticoid , Receptors, Mineralocorticoid , Suicidal Ideation , Suicide, Attempted , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics , Hydrocortisone/metabolism , Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/genetics , Adverse Childhood Experiences , ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics , Depression/genetics , Middle Aged , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Young Adult , Stress, Psychological/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease
12.
JAMA Netw Open ; 7(4): e247532, 2024 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38648058

ABSTRACT

Importance: Sleep quality is a known marker of overall health. Studies suggest that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with sleep disturbances among children and adults. Objective: To examine the association of retrospective and prospective ACEs with sleep quality among a cohort of Puerto Rican young adults from 2 sociocultural contexts. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study used data from the Boricua Youth Study (BYS), a population-based study representing Puerto Rican children from the South Bronx, New York, and Puerto Rico conducted from August 2000 to August 2003. Participants who were 5 to 9 years of age at enrollment in the BYS and who participated in wave 4 of the BYS took part in the Health Assessment (HA) when they were 18 to 29 years of age, from April 2013 to August 2017. Of the eligible 982 participants, 813 (82.8%) participated in the HA. Statistical analysis was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024. Exposures: Prospective ACEs measured from parent and youth responses and retrospective ACEs measured among young adults using questions from the validated ACE questionnaire from the original ACEs study conducted by Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in 1998. Analysis included 8 overlapping items from both questionnaires. Outcomes: Sleep quality was assessed in the HA with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The summary score included 7 components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The hypothesis was formulated after data collection. Sleep quality information was gathered at the same time as retrospective ACEs in the HA. Results: Of the 813 participants, 438 (53.9%) lived in Puerto Rico as children, 411 (50.6%) identified as female, and the mean (SE) age of participants was 22.9 (0.07) years. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, retrospective ACEs had a significant association with worse sleep outcomes (ß [SE] = 0.29 [0.07]; 95% CI, 0.15-0.44; P < .001). Prospective ACEs did not have a significant association with sleep quality, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (ß [SE] = 0.05 [0.10]; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.24; P = .59). Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that there is a significant association between retrospective ACEs and sleep quality among Puerto Rican young adults, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Prospective ACEs were not significantly associated with sleep disturbances, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Addressing ACEs reported in young adulthood may help reduce sleep disorders.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Hispanic or Latino , Sleep Wake Disorders , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Hispanic or Latino/statistics & numerical data , New York City/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Puerto Rico/epidemiology , Puerto Rico/ethnology , Retrospective Studies , Sleep Quality , Sleep Wake Disorders/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Child
13.
Psychiatry Res ; 336: 115887, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38642421

ABSTRACT

Cumulative trauma is usually devastating and can lead to severe psychological consequences, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure to various types of traumas, particularly during childhood, can be even more deleterious than the sheer number of events experienced. This epidemiological study is the first to investigate the impact of discrete childhood traumatic exposure on the risk of developing lifetime PTSD in a representative sample of the general population of the two biggest Brazilian cities. Participants were aged between 15 and 75 years old, living in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who had experienced traumatic events (N = 3,231). The PTSD diagnosis was assessed using the DSM-IV criteria through the version 2.1 of Composite International Diagnostic Interview. To operationalize childhood cumulative trauma, we considered the sum of 15 different childhood trauma categories that occurred before PTSD onset. The final multivariate logistic regression model indicated a strong relationship between the number of discrete types of childhood traumas and the likelihood of the lifetime PTSD development. The lifetime PTSD risk increased 28 % with each different type of childhood trauma when adjusted by confounds. Our study strengthens the evidence associating childhood cumulative trauma to increased lifetime PTSD risk.


Subject(s)
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Humans , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Female , Male , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Aged , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Child , Epidemiologic Studies
14.
Braz J Psychiatry ; 46: e20233265, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38467463

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between impulsivity and early trauma through a network analysis in individuals diagnosed with different substance use disorders. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, the sample included 556 men with substance use disorders (195 with alcohol use, 157 with cocaine/crack use, and 214 with polysubstance use). Early trauma and impulsive behavior were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, respectively. The connection between trauma and impulsivity was assessed using network analysis through a fused graphical lasso algorithm. RESULTS: No connection was observed between impulsivity and trauma networks in individuals with alcohol use disorder. In those with cocaine use disorder, networks were linked through the motor domain and sexual abuse nodes. Inverse connections were observed between the emotional neglect node and perseverance, but not the non-planning node. In polysubstance use, the connection between impulsivity and trauma networks was weak, with the cognitive complexity node connecting to the trauma network through physical abuse. There connections were inversely proportional between the motor domain and emotional neglect nodes, as well as between cognitive instability and physical neglect. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the relationship between the type of early (childhood) trauma and the expression of impulsivity could lead to different substance use profiles.


Subject(s)
Cocaine-Related Disorders , Impulsive Behavior , Substance-Related Disorders , Humans , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Cocaine-Related Disorders/psychology , Cocaine-Related Disorders/complications , Substance-Related Disorders/psychology , Alcoholism/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Adverse Childhood Experiences/psychology
15.
J Pediatr ; 270: 114008, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38479639

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the longitudinal relationship between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in early life and trajectories of firearm exposure from early to middle childhood (ages 5-9 years old). STUDY DESIGN: Data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LOGSCAN) study were used. The LONGSCAN study was a prospective study in the United States and contained data from 1354 children from age 4 to age 18 years old. Exposure to ACEs was measured through the wave 1 interview (age 5 years old) and trajectories of firearm exposure were created using data from waves 1 (age 5 years old) and two (age 9 years old). RESULTS: Two trajectories of firearm exposure in childhood were identified: a low exposure group and a group with persistently-high firearm exposure from ages 5 to 9 years old. ACEs were associated with membership in the high exposure group and children with four or more ACEs had over twice the odds of membership in the high exposure group compared with children with zero ACEs. CONCLUSION: ACEs exposure in early childhood is associated with persistently-high exposure to firearms from early to middle childhood. This finding highlights the need for pediatricians to consider screening for both ACEs and firearm exposure in routine examinations, as well as the need for future research to identify and evaluate interventions intended to address exposure to adversity and firearms.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Firearms , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Male , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Female , Firearms/statistics & numerical data , Prospective Studies , Longitudinal Studies , Adolescent , United States/epidemiology , Child Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Wounds, Gunshot/epidemiology
16.
Child Abuse Negl ; 152: 106756, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38531287

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. Researchers have examined the negative associations between adversity and adolescent and adult outcomes, such as education and physical health. However, research on ACEs, and their association with other outcomes in non-western contexts is sparse. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to increase our understanding of the prevalence of ACEs - and their association with educational aspirations - in low- and middle-income country contexts. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: We utilize data from the Family Migration and Early Life Outcomes (FAMELO) project, a multi-site survey project that collected data from families in historically high-migration contexts. ACEs and educational aspirations were measured in children aged 11 to17 years in Mexico (n = 853), Mozambique (n = 651), and Nepal (n = 1180). METHODS: We use Poisson regressions to examine the prevalence of ACEs in multiple cultures, and then use multinomial logistic regressions to examine whether ACEs are associated with educational aspirations, as a practical application of the utility of the ACEs framework in cross-cultural contexts. RESULTS: Our results suggest that adolescents in Mozambique have a higher average number of ACEs (2.7) than adolescents in Mexico (1.4) and Nepal (1.3). Female adolescents reported fewer ACEs, while socioeconomic vulnerabilities (low-income and low parental education) were associated with higher exposure to ACEs, with differences by country. Lastly, ACEs were associated with lower educational aspirations in Mexico and Nepal. CONCLUSIONS: Our study attempted to heed the call of many scholars who have pushed for an expansion of research on ACEs in non-western, low- and middle-income country contexts.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Cross-Cultural Comparison , Developing Countries , Humans , Adolescent , Female , Male , Child , Adverse Childhood Experiences/statistics & numerical data , Mexico/epidemiology , Educational Status , Mozambique/epidemiology , Prevalence
18.
Psychiatry Res ; 334: 115809, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38401487

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate alternative approaches to a cumulative risk score in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and crime. Using data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort (n = 3236), we measured 12 ACEs up to 15 years, and past-year violent and non-violent crime at 22 years. We used four analytical approaches: single adversities, cumulative risk, latent class analysis, and network analysis. When examined individually, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and domestic violence were associated with both crime outcomes, whereas maternal mental illness and discrimination were associated with violent crime only, and parental divorce and poverty with non-violent crime only. There was a cumulative effect of ACEs on crime. The class with child maltreatment and household challenges was associated with both crime outcomes; exposure to household challenges and social risks was associated with violent crime only. In network models, crime showed conditional associations with physical abuse, maternal mental illness, and parental divorce. Although cumulative ACEs did associate with crime, some individual and combinations of ACEs showed particularly strong and robust effects, which were not captured by the cumulative score. Many ACEs are closely connected and/or cluster together, and the usefulness of the ACE score needs to be further evaluated.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Child , Humans , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Birth Cohort , Crime , Violence
19.
Neurogastroenterol Motil ; 36(3): e14743, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38243398

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to the development of gastrointestinal disorders during adulthood, but there is limited research on the prevalence of ACEs in Latin American populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of ACEs on Mexican adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 290 Mexican adults (aged 18-65), including 90 individuals with IBS and 200 healthy controls. All participants completed four self-reported questionnaires: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), Visceral Sensitivity Index, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included mean differences using either the Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon test, correlations assessed with Spearman's correlation coefficient, and logistic regression models. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value less than 0.05. KEY RESULTS: Among IBS subjects, the prevalence of ACEs was 80%, significantly higher than the 59% prevalence observed in controls (p < 0.0001). Individuals with ACEs exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Seventy-five percent of IBS subjects with severe symptoms reported four or more ACEs. The presence of four or more ACEs was found to be associated with an increased risk of IBS. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: ACEs are notably prevalent among Mexican individuals with IBS and are positively correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal pain. These findings underscore the critical significance of evaluating and addressing ACEs in the comprehensive management of IBS within Latin American populations.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Adult , Humans , Irritable Bowel Syndrome/diagnosis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety Disorders , Surveys and Questionnaires
20.
Child Abuse Negl ; 148: 106639, 2024 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38242770

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have long-term consequences. The ACEs model has been extensively used in high-income countries. However, its effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated in low and middle-income countries and marginalized social groups. In indigenous populations, research has found inconsistent results in the prevalence and the relationship between ACEs and mental health outcomes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to determine the ACEs frequency among indigenous and non-indigenous Mexican adolescents; 2) to test the association between ACE scores and symptoms of Mental Health Problems (SMHP) in both groups; and 3) to review the ACEs model adequacy for the indigenous adolescents. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: Data from an online survey in 20 of the 32 states of Mexico were analyzed. We selected an 87 adolescent sample from indigenous families and 174 non-indigenous matched for age, sex, and state of residence, with a mean age of 16 years; 60 % were women. METHODS: ACE-IQ questionnaire and Youth Self Report instrument (eight SMHP) were used to collect data. ACEs' frequency was analyzed for each group, and Pearson correlations were used to identify the relationship between ACEs and SMHP. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance between Indigenous and non-Indigenous adolescents in the ACEs report. ACE scores were associated with eight SMHP. Correlations between ACE score and SMHP were higher in non-indigenous adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: ACEs were experienced similarly by both groups and were associated with mental health in all participants. Further research is needed to improve ACEs measurement in indigenous populations.


Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences , Mental Health , Humans , Adolescent , Female , Male , Mexico/epidemiology , Income , Surveys and Questionnaires
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