Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences : A Cross-Sectional Study among Inpatients at Ndera Neuropsychiatric
Vianney Nyirimana1, Janvier Yubahwe2, Bizoza Rutakayile2
1Department of Mental Health, UniversityTeaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), Huye, Rwanda.
Insights
Nearly all psychiatric inpatients experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Interventions focused on preventing ACEs are crucial for alleviating the mental health burden associated with childhood trauma.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events during childhood.
- Understanding ACEs' magnitude and interconnectedness can refine psychiatric interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of ACEs among psychiatric inpatients.
- Explore associations between household challenges and child maltreatment in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital (August-September 2019).
- 122 adult inpatients interviewed using the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire.
- Data analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Main Results:
- 98% of participants reported at least one ACE.
- Separated/divorced or deceased parents (65%) was the most common ACE.
- Child maltreatment showed an association with household challenges.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of ACEs observed in psychiatric inpatients.
- Targeted ACE prevention interventions can reduce the associated mental health burden.
Background:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are the potentially traumatic events that occurred during childhood. Understanding their magnitude and the way exposure to one type triggers other types of ACEs could lead to more focused psychiatric interventions.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of ACEs and explore the associations between household challenges and child maltreatment among inpatients with mental disorders.
Methods:
A cross-sectional design was used from August to September 2019 at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. We informed 176 adult inpatients, 159 consented to have their eligibility examined, and 122 were eligible and then interviewed using the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21.
Results:
Most of the participants (57%) were men, 61% were in the 20-35 age range, and 67% had attended primary school. Almost everyone (98%) reported at least one ACE. Having separated/divorced or deceased parents was the most common ACE (65%). Child maltreatment was associated with household challenges.
Conclusion:
The study found a high prevalence of ACEs among psychiatric inpatients. Therefore, the burden associated with the high prevalence of ACEs could be alleviated through interventions targeting ACE preventions.
