AI Article Synopsis

  • The study highlights a significant lack of understanding regarding the health care utilization and economic impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in multiethnic Asian populations, particularly in Singapore.
  • Over 63% of surveyed adults reported experiencing at least one ACE, with those facing three or more ACEs incurring higher health care costs and productivity losses.
  • The financial burden of ACEs in Singapore is substantial, with estimated annual costs of S$1.18 billion for at least one ACE and S$680 million for those with three or more, emphasizing the need for effective interventions.

Article Abstract

Objective: There is poor understanding on health care utilization, productivity losses, and burden of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in multiethnic Asian populations. Part of this research gap stems from the limited epidemiological data on neglect, emotional abuse, bullying, and dysfunctional home environments. This study estimated health care utilization, productivity losses, and burden of ACEs (at least one exposure and multiple exposures) in Singapore.

Method: A total of 4,441 adult residents were recruited via door-to-door surveys in a nationally representative study in Singapore. All participants were assessed for ACEs, health care utilization, productivity losses, chronic physical disorders, and mental disorders on structured interviews. Approximation formulas were applied to calculate the estimated cost of ACEs in Singapore.

Results: ACEs were prevalent (63.9%) in the Singapore population. Individuals exposed to ≥ 3 ACEs (13.1%) utilized more direct medical care (e.g., primary care doctor and accident and emergency visits) and experienced greater productivity losses than those without ACEs (36.1%). The adjusted excess costs associated with ACEs per person were estimated to be S$767.40 (at least one ACE; 63.9%) and S$2167.84 (≥ 3 ACEs; 13.1%). The adjusted incremental costs of ACEs in the Singapore population were estimated to be S$1.18 billion (at least one ACE) and S$680 million (≥ 3 ACEs) per year.

Conclusions: The health and economic burden of ACEs is substantial in Singapore. Our results highlight the importance of investing in novel, population-based ACEs interventions, and the potential return on investment through preventive care and alleviation of the health care burden. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0001691DOI Listing

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