The January 2020 edition of Plos One includes an article examining the disease burden of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Researchers used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 14 states and looked for direct and indirect associations of ACEs exposure with health outcomes. They found exposure to ACEs was associated with “significantly higher odds of smoking, heavy drinking, and obesity.” The researchers conclude “that attention to child maltreatment and household dysfunction, mental health treatment, substance abuse prevention, and promotion of physical activity and healthy weight outcomes might mitigate some adverse health consequences of ACEs.”
To view the article, click here.