Adult Cancer Risk Behaviors Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Low Income Population in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Objectives Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can affect health in adulthood. We investigate the relationship between childhood experiences and adult cancer risk and screening behaviors in a racially diverse, low income population. Methods Nearly 22,000 adults 40 years and older in the Southern Community Cohort Study were administered the ACE questionnaire. We estimated odds ratios (OR) for the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI and five cancer screening methods in relation to the ACE score. Results Over half reported at least one ACE, with percentages higher for women (61%) than men (53%). Higher ACE scores were related to increased prevalence of smoking (ORs 1.25 (1.05–1.50) to 2.33 (1.96–2.77). Little association was seen between rising ACE score and alcohol consumption or BMI, except for a modest trend in morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Mammography and cervical cancer screening decreased with rising ACE scores, but no trends were seen with prostate or colorectal cancer screening. Conclusions Adverse childhood experiences are strong predictors of adult cancer risk behaviors, particularly increased likelihood of smoking, and among women, lower mammography and Pap screening rates.

Adherence to Short-course Pharmacotherapy in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

“…The influence of ACE on short-course pharmacotherapy is not described in the literature; however, the long-term impact of ACE on emotional and psychological development are well documented. Additionally, ACE have been associated with cardiovascular disease treatment non-adherence (Korhonen et al, 2015), and decreased health screenings behaviors such as mammograms and pap smears (Mouton, Hargreaves, Liu, Fadeyi, & Blot, 2016). One possible explanation for the lack of influence of the ACE on adherence in this sample is the concept of time orientation.…”

Assessing the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and social well-being: United States Longitudinal Cohort 1995–2014

“…Further research should be done to examine race, socioeconomic status, and ACEs, and their relationship to life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and social well-being, as tailored interventions are warranted for vulnerable populations to reduce disparities in health outcomes related to ACEs. [30,[8][9][10].…”

“…Among the U.S. population, the prevalence of childhood adversity is high, with more than 50% of adults reporting at least one ACE [5][6][7]. Minority groups and those who are low-income have been found to experience ACEs at higher rates relative to the general population and thus, may require tailored interventions to mitigate the effects of childhood adversity in adulthood [8][9][10]. Prior studies have linked experiencing severe, chronic stress and/or trauma as a child or adolescent with higher rates of morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases of aging, including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer [3,[11][12][13][14][15].…”

Implementation of the Whole Child Assessment to Screen for Adverse Childhood Experiences

“…1 The majority of adults (52% to 70%) report exposure to 1 ACE, and many adults (6% to 21%) report exposure to 4 or more ACEs. 1-5 High rates of ACEs exist in all socioeconomic strata and geographic locations, although the prevalence of ACEs is highest in low-income, impoverished regions. 3…”

“…1-5 High rates of ACEs exist in all socioeconomic strata and geographic locations, although the prevalence of ACEs is highest in low-income, impoverished regions. 3…”