Epidemiology, risk factors, and impacts of adverse childhood experiences in Low- and middle-income countries
This SI Journal was conceived to highlight some of the gaps in ACEs research with respect to the inclusion of children and youth residing in LMIC.
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Special Issue Journal in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
While ACEs are well-studied overall, most data has been collected in adult surveys and in high-income countries (HIC) while youth in low-to-middle-income-countries (LMIC) remain under-studied. This is problematic because adults may have some difficulty recalling childhood experiences (whether due to memory or coping mechanisms) and it is likely that there are childhood adversities unique to or more prevalent in LMIC compared to HIC. Furthermore, the majority of the world’s children reside in LMIC, making the HIC-centered generalization of ACEs research of particular concern. Some studies have suggested that youth in LMIC have a higher prevalence of ACEs than youth in HIC because of the unique and complex environments in which they grow and develop. After 30 years since the landmark CDC-ACE Study, the field needs to understand the burden of ACEs among children and young adults across a broader range of settings, cultures, and contexts. Thus, to have a complete picture of ACEs epidemiology, impact, and possible prevention strategies, there is the need to have a more comprehensive understanding of the adversities faced by children and young adults living in LMIC. This special issue, epidemiology, risk factors, and impacts of adverse childhood experiences in low- and middle-income countries, was conceived to highlight some of the gaps in ACEs research with respect to the inclusion of children and youth residing in LMIC. The Special Issue sought to identify ACE studies involving children, youth, and young adults from birth to 24 years in LMIC. A breadth of ACE research was welcome, including descriptive studies examining the prevalence and implications of ACEs; the developmental impact of ACEs; the cultural relevance of ACEs measures; buffering effects of positive childhood experiences and resiliency factors; risk and protective factors; and associations with mental and physical health outcomes, risk-taking behaviors, and HIV.
Journal Club Date:
April 30, 2024
Region:
Asia, Europe & Russia, Africa, Global
Topics:
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