We've identified the root cause of health issues: hundreds of thousands of children are at serious risk.

Our bodies are constantly under attack from various viruses and the onset of diseases, but some of the underlying causes are not external at all. Researchers have identified a significant factor that lays the groundwork for poor health starting from childhood.

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A recently published comprehensive review by researchers has revealed the widespread prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) globally, affecting approximately half a million children across 18 countries. This data has raised concerns among scientists regarding the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of children and how it will impact their developing psyche and future adult life, as reported by HealthDay.

The systematic review of scientific literature, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics and conducted by Dr. Sherry Madigan from the Canadian SSHRC Tier 2 Research Chair in Child Development and her colleagues at the University of Calgary, examined the prevalence of ACEs, contributing factors, and methodological aspects.

ACEs include exposure to abuse, neglect, and domestic conflicts, which significantly affect the long-term outcomes of physical and mental health for developing children. The study synthesized data from 65 scientific works involving 490,423 children. Researchers found that only 42.3% of children had not experienced any ACEs, 22% had experienced one, and 14.8% had experienced four or more. Vulnerable groups that are more likely to experience four or more ACEs include adolescents (prevalence ratio - PR 1.16), children in institutional care (PR 1.26), juvenile offenders (PR 1.29), and indigenous populations (PR 1.63).

The findings indicate that systemic factors and social inequality contribute to the increasing risk of childhood trauma among these groups. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the impact of assessment methods on the prevalence rates of ACEs. For instance, studies utilizing case file reviews showed higher prevalence rates of ACEs (PR 1.29) compared to survey-based studies, especially when the information was provided by the children themselves (PR 0.85). This methodological variability highlights the need for standardizing assessment approaches to better reflect the realities of childhood adversities, the authors stated.

Researchers also underscored the importance of early intervention to mitigate the consequences of ACEs. They advocate for "targeted, collaboratively designed community initiatives" aimed at addressing the root causes of ACEs and alleviating their long-term effects. By reducing exposure to these harmful factors and fostering resilience, such strategies should aim to cultivate healthier future generations and decrease the intergenerational transmission of trauma effects.

The World Health Organization has also identified ACEs as a major factor contributing to health inequality. They are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, substance abuse, and mental disorders. A meta-analysis conducted in 2019 showed that individuals with four or more ACEs are 4.6 times more likely to develop depression and 2.7 times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. Such statistics highlight the necessity of addressing ACEs early in childhood as a key public health priority.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing problems, please consult a specialist.