Citation

Giovanelli A, Reynolds AJ. Prev. Med. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106557

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been definitively linked with cross-domain life course well-being. While scales measuring the ten "Conventional" ACEs (ACEs-C; intrafamilial experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) are parsimonious, use of such scales alone may fail to capture crucial information about adversity, particularly in youth growing up in high-crime areas. Patterns and disparities in Conventional and Expanded (ACEs-E; experiences more common in impoverished and densely populated areas) ACEs were examined in the large, primarily Black Chicago Longitudinal Study cohort. This cohort has been followed from the 1980s to the present. Participants in the present study, comprising over 70% of the original sample, responded to a follow-up survey between 2012 and 2017. ACE information was collected both prospectively and retrospectively. Overall ACE prevalence and differences in ACEs by sex and risk were explored using logistic regression with adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios, and chi-squared tests. Higher sociodemographic risk in early childhood was associated with exposure to higher rates of ACEs-C through adolescence. Males endorsed higher rates of ACEs-E relating to violent crime. Nearly 1/5 of participants reported only ACEs-E, which are not typically measured in ACE assessment.

FINDINGS underscore enduring effects of early childhood risk factors on ACE exposure, as well as contributions of community characteristics to childhood adversity. Given strong associations between ACEs, environment, and well-being, enhancing inclusivity in our understanding of childhood adversity is a public health priority.

Language: en

Keywords

Violence; Adverse childhood experiences; Urban health; Black youth; Community health; Early risk