Exploring the Association of Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences with Maternal Health and Child Behavior Following Intimate Partner Violence.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been empirically linked to a host of negative health outcomes, both physical and psychosocial. Exposures to ACEs make individuals more susceptible to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, and depression. Many of these conditions do not appear until sometime in adolescence or adulthood and have been linked to premature death.

Objective: This study explores the association between the number and type of exposure to ACEs in women (mothers) who experienced intimate partner violence and health outcomes. Specifically, it explores the association between maternal ACEs and maternal perceived health and maternal mental and behavioral health. This study also explores the association between ACEs and child behavior.

Methods: This analysis is part of a 7-year prospective study. A cohort of 300 mother-child pairs was assessed at baseline and every 4 months after reaching out for shelter or justice services for the very first time after being in an abusive intimate relationship.

Results: Data document individual mothers' ACE scores and show a trend at 12 months, 24 months, and is most significant at 36 months. Additionally, at 36 months, higher ACE scores were significantly associated with all child behavioral subscales (anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, attention problems, internalizing, externalizing).

Conclusion: The women in this study reported ACE scores consistently higher than national rates. Our data highlight the added benefit of using ACE criteria as a global prevention strategy to identify those most at risk for delayed mental and behavioral health issues and to intervene with supportive strategies and guided referrals as indicated.