Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Link Between Early Life Adversity with Poor Health Outcomes

Abstract

A quarter of all children will experience or witness a potential traumatic event which can lead to an increased risk of an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) exposure. These experiences can be caused by abuse, neglect, death, and other negative events perceived by the child. Research has been found to link the association between ACE scores and poor mental, physical, and health outcomes later in life.

A trauma-informed organization in Middle Georgia provides ACE education to community partners that is supported by an evidence-based strategy. The mission of this organization is to increase ACE awareness surrounding prevention tactics, early intervention strategies, research, advocacy, and policy implementation. Preventing ACEs from occurring has been proven to reduce the number of adults who have adverse health problems, such as depression. However, ACEs are still highly prevalent in Middle Georgia, and are affecting the lives of children and adults of all races, socioeconomic background, and educational levels.

A comparison of 14 counties will be reviewed to determine the levels of ACE prevalence within Middle Georgia. The data will analyze the number of children living in poverty, school attendance records, county health rankings, and health outcomes and factors. Recognizing the challenges that families and communities face is an effective tool in reducing potential negative outcomes. Once linkages have been established, specialized support services centered around the problem can be addressed. Overall, this poster presentation will review potential traumatic events that increase ACE prevalence within Middle Georgia, and the association with increased negative health outcomes and risky behavior later in life.

Keywords

Adverse Childhood Experiences, ACEs, Middle Georgia, Health Outcomes

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Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Link Between Early Life Adversity with Poor Health Outcomes

A quarter of all children will experience or witness a potential traumatic event which can lead to an increased risk of an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) exposure. These experiences can be caused by abuse, neglect, death, and other negative events perceived by the child. Research has been found to link the association between ACE scores and poor mental, physical, and health outcomes later in life.

A trauma-informed organization in Middle Georgia provides ACE education to community partners that is supported by an evidence-based strategy. The mission of this organization is to increase ACE awareness surrounding prevention tactics, early intervention strategies, research, advocacy, and policy implementation. Preventing ACEs from occurring has been proven to reduce the number of adults who have adverse health problems, such as depression. However, ACEs are still highly prevalent in Middle Georgia, and are affecting the lives of children and adults of all races, socioeconomic background, and educational levels.

A comparison of 14 counties will be reviewed to determine the levels of ACE prevalence within Middle Georgia. The data will analyze the number of children living in poverty, school attendance records, county health rankings, and health outcomes and factors. Recognizing the challenges that families and communities face is an effective tool in reducing potential negative outcomes. Once linkages have been established, specialized support services centered around the problem can be addressed. Overall, this poster presentation will review potential traumatic events that increase ACE prevalence within Middle Georgia, and the association with increased negative health outcomes and risky behavior later in life.