Survey of adverse childhood experiences among Romanian university students: study report from the 2012 survey

ABSTRACT

A survey on adverse childhood experiences (ACE) was conducted on a representative sample of 2088 young adults (1343 females, and 745 males) from 17 public universities in Romania. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of ACE in Romania, and to identify relationships between exposure to ACE and health risk behaviors, and health outcomes. The study findings show a high reported prevalence of physical abuse (26.9%), emotional abuse (23.6%), sexual abuse (12.7%), physical neglect (16.5%), and emotional neglect (26.3%). Female participants reported significantly more often being exposed to sexual and emotional abuse. Overall, 18% of students reported exposure to at least four types of ACE. Exposure to household dysfunctions was also common 21.9% lived with an alcoholic parent, 17.4% witnessed violent treatment of their mother, 15.6% had experienced parental separation, and 12.9% reported that a household member had a mental illness. ACE were positively associated with engagement in health-risk behaviors in late adolescence and young adulthood, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, illicit drug usage, attempting suicide, running away from home, or multiple sexual partners. Moreover, the exposure to a higher number of ACE increased the probability of having somatic complaints and mental health problems in adulthood. The study results offer inputs for policy makers and health specialists to take measures for reducing and preventing child maltreatment.