Adverse childhood experiences affect health outcomes for adults in North Dakota: 2019–2022 BRFSS population profile

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to chronic health conditions, at-risk behaviors, and reduced quality and length of life. Public health interventions targeting childhood trauma require an investigation of overall prevalence of ACEs and associations with outcomes and behaviors. Methods: We created an ACE score using aggregated North Dakota (ND) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2019 to 2022. Adjusted odds ratios for selected chronic conditions, health risk behaviors, and health burdens were obtained using a logistic regression model. Results: ND adults with 4+ ACEs had more than a 2x increased risk for chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular problems, asthma, arthritis, currently smoking, and frequent poor physical health and more than a 4x increased risk for COPD, using marijuana, frequent poor mental health, and having a depressive disorder. A 2-fold increased risk for frequent poor physical, frequent poor mental health, and having a depressive disorder was seen for ND adults with 1–3 ACEs. Discussion: ACEs, especially for ND adults with an ACE score of 4+, are associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes. Using marijuana had the strongest association with health risk behaviors and having a depressive disorder had the strongest association of the health conditions in the study. Our results emphasize the importance of evidence-based ACE prevention strategies and trauma-informed approaches that public health officials and policy makers in ND and across the nation can use to help build resilience, prevent ACEs, and improve well-being across the population.