Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
04:20

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

1.7K

Risks of adverse childhood experiences on healthcare utilization and outcomes in early childhood

Kanna N Lewis1, Lorraine M McKelvey1, Dong Zhang1

  • 1University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, 4301 W. Markham St, #530, Little Rock, AR 72205-7199, USA.

Child Abuse & Neglect
|August 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) screening in young children is linked to increased healthcare use and diagnoses like adjustment and attention-deficit disorders. Early identification through tools like the Family Map Inventories (FMI) is crucial for intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for trauma-informed care, emphasizing screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
  • Effective tools for identifying ACEs and understanding their impact on child health are needed.
  • ACEs are associated with significant long-term health consequences, necessitating early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between the number of ACEs, as measured by the Family Map Inventories (FMI), and healthcare utilization and diagnoses.
  • To link insurance claims data with FMI-ACEs scores to understand health service use patterns.
  • To identify health outcomes associated with varying levels of ACE exposure in young children.

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed data from 1647 low-income families with children aged three to five years.
  • The Family Map Inventories (FMI) were used to assess child ACEs (FMI-ACEs) via prospective, proxy risk indicators.
  • Multivariable logistic and generalized linear regression models were employed to explore associations between FMI-ACEs scores and healthcare utilization/outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 32.4% of children experienced zero ACEs, 31.7% one, 19.7% two, and 16.3% three or more.
  • Higher FMI-ACEs scores correlated with increased use of non-preventive outpatient visits, prescription fills, and overall healthcare utilization.
  • Children with the highest FMI-ACEs scores showed a 4-fold increase in adjustment disorders and a 2-fold increase in attention-deficit conduct issues compared to those with zero ACEs.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to link survey-based ACEs measures with insurance claims data to assess health utilization and diagnoses.
  • A significant association was observed between ACEs risk screening and subsequent healthcare utilization and diagnosed conditions.
  • Findings underscore the importance of ACEs screening in pediatric care for identifying at-risk populations and informing interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adverse childhood experiencesChild healthFamily friendly surveyHealth utilizationInsurance claimsScreening

More Related Videos

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting11:31

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting

Published on: November 30, 2015

16.1K
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents06:15

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

12.9K

Related Concept Videos

Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
84
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
131
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System01:29

Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System

The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
5.7K
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
180
Preventive Healthcare Services01:30

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
1.1K
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
49