NCJ Number
235257
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 408-413
Date Published
June 2011
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study explored the effect of adverse childhood experiences on low-income adolescents' increased risk for developing learning/behavior problems and/or being diagnosed as obese.
Abstract
The study found that 67 percent of the sample had experienced one or more categories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), while 12 percent experienced four or more categories of ACEs. In addition, the study found that developing learning/behavior problems and/or being diagnosed with obesity were correlated with increased ACE scores. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ACEs on low-income adolescents' increased risk for developing learning/behavior problems and/or being diagnosed as obese. Data for the study were obtained from a retrospective review of the medical charts of 701 youths, aged 0 to 20.9 years, from the Bayview Child Health Center in San Francisco, CA. The charts were reviewed for the prevalence of nine categories of ACEs: 1) recurrent physical abuse; 2) recurrent emotional abuse; 3) contact sexual abuse; 4) the existence of an alcohol or drug abuser in the household; 5) an incarcerated household member; 6) a resident in the household suffering from chronic depression or a mental illness, or being institutionalized or suicidal; 7) the existence of violent abuse of the mother; 8) the lack of one or both parents; and 9) the existence of emotional or physical neglect. Analysis of the medical charts revealed that youth exposed to four or more of the ACE categories were at increased risk for developing learning/behavior problems, as well as an increased risk for becoming obese. Limitations of the study are discussed, along with implications for screening and treatment for youth at risk for exposure to ACEs. Tables, figures, and references