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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Body Mass Index Status among Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Iulia Mihaila1,2, Cheng-Shi Shiu3, Leah Bernard2,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|November 21, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to higher body mass index (BMI) in children with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Physical activity may mitigate this risk, highlighting the need for targeted health programs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health
  • Child Development

Background:

  • Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with negative health outcomes.
  • Children with special health care needs (CYSHCN) may be disproportionately affected by ACEs.
  • Understanding the interplay between ACEs, health, and lifestyle factors is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between ACEs and body mass index (BMI) status in CYSHCN.
  • To investigate the mediating role of health characteristics and lifestyle factors in the ACEs-BMI relationship.
  • To identify potential intervention points for managing BMI in CYSHCN exposed to ACEs.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health.
  • Employed multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses.
  • Included variables such as ACEs, BMI status, functional impairment, depression, physical activity, and screen time.

Main Results:

  • CYSHCN with 1-2 ACEs and 3+ ACEs showed increased odds of higher BMI status compared to those with no ACEs.
  • The association between 3+ ACEs and BMI status was attenuated when lifestyle factors were considered.
  • Higher physical activity levels significantly reduced the risk of higher BMI status in CYSHCN with 3+ ACEs.

Conclusions:

  • ACEs are significantly associated with BMI status in CYSHCN.
  • Health and lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity, modify this association.
  • Interventions promoting physical activity and strategic screen time use are recommended for CYSHCN families.

Keywords:
adverse childhood experienceschildren and youthobesityphysical activityspecial health care needs

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