Adverse Childhood Experiences and Smoking among Urban Youths in Oyo State, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) derail the healthy developmental processes of a child. Smoking is a coping device for some persons with ACEs. However, research on this has been neglected in Nigeria. We conducted a cross sectional survey of youths in South Western Nigeria and obtained information on exposure to ACEs and smoking. Logistics regression at 5% level of significance was done. At least 1 out of 10 categories of ACEs was reported by 87.9%. Respondents reporting 4 or more categories of ACEs had higher risk of engaging in smoking behaviors. Public health surveillance of ACEs is required in Nigeria.