Prebirth Household Challenges to Predict Adverse Childhood Experiences Score by Age 3

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: With this study, we seek to understand the relationship between prebirth household challenges and the child’s adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) score by age 3 in a statewide-representative birth cohort to inform primary prevention strategies. METHODS: We used a longitudinally linked data set from the Alaska 2009–2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, its 3-year follow-up survey, and multiple administrative data sources. Using this linked data set, we predicted an expanded ACEs score by age 3 using maternal reported prebirth household challenges. RESULTS: The number of household challenges reported during the 12 months before or during pregnancy predicted ACEs score in a graded, dose-response manner. On average, reporting 41 prebirth household challenges was associated with an ACEs score 4.1 times that of those reporting 0 challenges. Homelessness was associated with the greatest increase in ACEs score (relative rate ratio = 3.0). Prebirth household challenges that were independently associated with an elevated ACEs score in our final model included problems paying bills, someone close to the mother having a drinking and/or drug problem, homelessness, mother or husband or partner being in jail, husband or partner losing job, separation or divorce, and being checked or treated for anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS: The accumulation and certain prebirth household challenges are strongly associated with the accumulation of childhood ACEs. Addressing and reducing household challenges during the prebirth period may serve as a primary point of ACEs prevention. Many evidence-based, multidisciplinary intervention strategies can and should be implemented in the prebirth period to strengthen the household unit before the introduction of a new child.