A descriptive study of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among female patients with sexual dysfunctions in Armenia

Abstract

BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased risk for a wide range of negative health outcomes, including sexual dysfunctions. There is a growing interest to advance the science of ACEs to improve the lives of children and families worldwide. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE The purpose of the present study was to explore the extent to which ACEs occur in patients with sexual dysfunctions in Armenia. To this end, the ACE questionnaire was used to assess the presence of adverse experiences from 85 female patients with sexual dysfunctions and 155 sex- and age-adjusted controls. RESULTS More than two-thirds of the patients (74.1%) had been exposed to one or more ACEs and 27.2% had been exposed to four or more ACEs. In the control group, these numbers were 56.1% and 18.1% respectively. Patients had significantly higher ACE scores (M = 2.06, SD = 1.95) than the control group (M = 1.65, SD = 2.50). Parental divorce and witnessing mother being abused (treated violently) were the most prevalent adversities in the patients. CONCLUSIONS The presence of multiple adverse childhood experiences in the patient group suggests that psychogenic factors are likely involved in sexual dysfunctions. ACEs Aware initiatives in Armenia aimed at screening for childhood adversities can improve the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and ultimately improve health and wellbeing.