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Childhood adversity and COVID-19 outcomes in the UK Biobank

Jamie L Hanson1,2, Kristen O'Connor3, Dorthea J Adkins2

  • 1Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA jamie.hanson@pitt.edu.

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|November 1, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Childhood adversity increases the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death. This UK Biobank study found significant associations even after accounting for other factors, highlighting potential public health disparities.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Social Determinants of Health

Background:

  • Childhood adversity is a significant public health concern with long-term health implications.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, but the role of early life experiences remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between childhood adversity and COVID-19-related hospitalisation.
  • To examine the link between childhood adversity and COVID-19-related mortality within the UK Biobank cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study design was employed using data from the UK Biobank.
  • 151,200 participants were included, assessed for childhood trauma via the Childhood Trauma Screen.
  • Data on COVID-19 hospitalisation and mortality were collected from January 2020 to November 2021.

Main Results:

  • Higher self-reported childhood adversity was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 hospitalisation (OR 1.227, p<0.005).
  • Childhood adversity was also linked to a greater odds of COVID-19-related death (OR 1.25, p<0.005).
  • These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, ethnicity, sex, and other potential confounders.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood adversity is a significant predictor of severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalisation and mortality.
  • Findings underscore the need for further research into the underlying biological and psychosocial mechanisms.
  • Results can inform public health interventions aimed at reducing COVID-19 disparities among individuals with adverse childhood experiences.
Abstract

Keywords:
CHILD HEALTHCOHORT STUDIESCOVID-19

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