Adverse Childhood Experiences Module Nonresponse: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2019 and 2021

Data on adverse childhood experiences are key to understanding their burden and informing prevention programs and strategies. Population-based surveys that collect adverse childhood experiences data may be affected by item nonresponse. This study examines differences in nonresponse to the optional Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System adverse childhood experiences module overall, by sociodemographic characteristics, by year, and by question.

This study used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System adverse childhood experiences module data from 21 states in 2019 and 16 states in 2021. Weighted proportions and 95% CIs of responders and nonresponders to the adverse childhood experiences module by year and sociodemographic characteristics and percentages of nonresponders for each question were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to assess statistically significant (p<0.05) differences. Analyses were conducted in 2023.

In 2019 and 2021, 1.2% (95% CI=1.1, 1.4) and 2.4% (95% CI=2.2, 2.5) of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System participants were nonresponders to the adverse childhood experiences module, respectively (p<0.01). Nonresponders were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (p=0.01) or non-Hispanic Asian (p=0.01), to be unemployed (p<0.01), to have income <$15,000 (p<0.01), or to report poor health (p<0.01) than responders. Nonresponse by question increased as the module progressed, and nonresponse was highest for sexual abuse questions.

Overall, findings demonstrate that individuals are willing to respond to the adverse childhood experiences module questions. Although low, nonresponse to the module increased from 2019 to 2021. Higher nonresponse for sexual abuse questions may be due to their sensitivity or potential survey fatigue due to placement at the end of the module. Higher nonresponse among racial/ethnic minorities and economically disadvantages groups highlights opportunities to improve existing surveillance systems.