Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health at Age 50 Years in the National Child Development Study
Abstract
IMPORTANCE: Most studies have reported associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and a single health outcome. It is therefore difficult to assess impacts holistically. Examining a broad range of health outcomes may help inform the targeting of interventions.
OBJECTIVE: To quantify the modeled association of ACEs with several adult health outcomes within a single study.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study using an outcome-wide approach was a secondary analysis of the National Child Development Study, a longitudinal birth cohort of people across the UK born during 1 week in 1958. Data from the follow-up survey at age 50 years were used. The data analysis was conducted between September and October 2024.
EXPOSURES: Fourteen ACEs from data collected throughout childhood (age 7, 11, and 16 years) and retrospectively (age 23, 33, and 44 years).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Eleven outcomes (with prevalence ≥5%) self-reported at age 50 years were examined using doubly robust estimation and included severe pain, poor mental health, asthma or bronchitis, hay fever or rhinitis, back problems, hearing problems, eyesight problems, hypertension, migraine, skin problems, and gastrointestinal problems. Risk differences were estimated between pseudopopulations (exposure to ACEs set at 100% vs 0%) with adjustment made for confounders at birth using inverse probability weights.
RESULTS: From a total of 17 638 people initially included in the birth cohort, 53%…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 17 participants or records.
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