ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the relationship and gender difference between maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in preschool children, and to provide a reference to promote emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children.@*Methods@#Using the method of stratified cluster sampling, 9 647 children from kindergartens in three cities of Anhui Province were selected in June 2021. Maternal adverse childhood experiences were investigated with the WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire(ACEs-IQ), preschool children s emotional and behavioral problems were investigated with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.@*Results@#The detection rate of abnormal emotional behavior was 17.4%, emotional symptoms 16.3%, conduct problems 18.3%, hyperactivity 22.7%, peer problems 34.2%, prosocial behaviors 18.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal adverse childhood experiences were positively associated with the risk of emotional and behavioral problems ( OR =1.51-2.97, P <0.01). Maternal cumulative adverse childhood experiences were also positively associated with the risk of emotional and behavioral problems( OR =3.13-9.61, P <0.01). The association of maternal emotional abuse, physical abuse and community violence with peer problems were stronger in boys than that of girls ( ROR =1.25, 1.26, 1.41, P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#The findings suggest maternal adverse childhood experiences were associated with emotional behavior problems among preschool children. Focusing on the maternal adverse childhood experiences is crucial for the prevention and control of childhood emotional and behavioral problems.