Pathways linking childhood maltreatment and adult physical health

This study examined whether a self-reported history of childhood maltreatment (physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and physical and emotional neglect) is related to poor adult physical health through health risk behaviors (obesity, substance dependence, and smoking), adverse life events, and psychological distress.

Two hundred and seventy nine (279) women aged 31-54, primarily poor, urban, and African American with a history of substance use during pregnancy, were assessed for perceived physical health status using the Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) and any reported chronic medical condition. Hierarchical multiple and logistic regression were used to test mediation, as well as to assess relative contributions of multiple mediators on physical health.

More than two-thirds (n = 195, 70%) of the sample reported at least 1 form of childhood maltreatment, with 42% (n = 110) having a lifetime history of substance dependence and 59% (n = 162) having a chronic medical condition. Controlling for age, education, and race, childhood maltreatment was related to increased likelihood of lifetime history of substance dependence (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.01-1.39), more adverse life events (β = .14), and greater psychological distress (β = .21). Psychological distress and adverse life events partially mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and perceived physical health, accounting for 42% of the association between childhood maltreatment and perceived physical health. Adverse life events accounted for 25% of the association between childhood maltreatment and chronic medical condition.

Our findings provide additional evidence that the ill health effects associated with childhood maltreatment persist into adulthood. Adverse life events and psychological distress were key mechanisms shaping later physical health consequences associated with childhood maltreatment among relatively young urban women with a history of substance use.

Health care providers should be aware that childhood maltreatment contributes to adult health problems. Interventions aimed at preventing child maltreatment and addressing life stress and psychological distress will improve long-term physical health among abused children, adults with such histories, as well as children who are likely to be affected by maternal history of childhood maltreatment.