141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

291278
Impact of adverse childhood experiences on substance abuse and emotional distress among female juvenile offenders

Monday, November 4, 2013 : 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Kristen Clements-Nolle, PhD, MPH , School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
Sandra Noffsinger, MPH , Nevada State Health Division, Las Vegas, NV
Aliya Buttar, MPH , Nevada State Health Division, Las Vegas, NV
Background: Female juvenile offenders in the United States experience high rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. However, little is known about the influence of ACEs on substance abuse and mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population. Methods: 305 female adolescents who received sanctions to probation (with or without detainment) completed audio computer assisted interviews. Validated measures were used to assess substance abuse (CRAFFT), psychological distress (BSI-18), and eight adverse childhood events (physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, father's incarceration, mother's incarceration, single parent custody, removal from home, running away from home). ACE scores were calculated by summing the total number of ACE categories (range 0-8). Logistic regression was used to assess the independent relationship between ACEs and substance abuse as well as emotional distress. Results: Almost half (49%) of participants reported 4 or more ACEs. After controlling for age, race, and detention, there remained a strong dose response relationship between the number of ACEs reported and substance abuse [1-2 ACEs (AOR=5.78; 95% CI 1.81, 18.52), 2-3 ACEs (AOR=6.87; 95% CI 2.19, 21.57) and 4-5 ACEs (AOR=20.23; 5.70, 71.85)]. ACEs were also associated with emotional distress [1-2 ACEs (AOR=3.56; 95% CI 0.64, 19.70), 2-3 ACEs (AOR=7.48; 95% CI 1.38, 40.54) and 4-5 ACEs (AOR=8.76; 95% CI 1.58, 48.57)]. Conclusions: Our results suggest that preventing or addressing ACEs among female juvenile offenders could have a profound impact on substance abuse and emotional distress. Family centered interventions that focus ACEs are urgently needed for this population.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe the dose-response relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and substance abuse and mental health outcomes among female juvenile offenders. Identify implications for substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion.

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the principal investigator for this study and have conducted other research investigating adverse childhood experiences.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.