Relationship between adverse childhood experiences and the physical and mental health in Mexican adults / Relación entre las experiencias adversas en la infancia y la salud física y mental en adultos mexicanos

ABSTRACT

Abstract Introduction Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that people may experience during early life, including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; neglect; and household dysfunction. Objective To evaluate the frequency of ACEs and their relationship with the mental and physical health of Mexican adults. Method 389 people between 18 and 65 years old were included in a cross-sectional study with an incidental sample and voluntary participation. Subjects responded to the ACEs questionnaire, the PHQ-9, the GAD-7, and the PHQ-15. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ACEs and adult health conditions. Results 75% reported at least one type of adversity, and 31.4% reported three or more. Reporting three or more ACEs was associated with an increased odds ratio for depression (OR = 5.04, 95% CI [2.38, 10.68]), anxiety (OR = 3.33, 95% CI [1.09, 6.99]), psychosomatic severity (OR = 4.58, 95% CI [2.53, 8.29]), obesity (OR = 2.08, 95% CI [1.21, 3.59]), and limitations due to physical or emotional discomfort (OR = 5.90, 95% CI [2.88, 12.09]). Higher anxiety was associated with sexual abuse (OR = 2.12 95% CI [.92, 4.85]) and witnessing violence (OR = 5.09, 95% CI [1.04, 24.77]). The probability of psychosomatic severity was higher if reported sexual abuse increased (OR = 1.94 95% CI [.06, 3.54]) and emotional neglect (OR = 1.84, 95% CI [1.02, 3.32]). Discussion and conclusion ACEs are associated to mental health difficulties and psychosomatic symptoms. The relationship between different types of adversity and health is confirmed.

RESUMEN

Resumen Introducción Las experiencias adversas en la infancia (EAI) se refieren a la exposición durante la niñez a sucesos potencialmente perjudiciales para la salud. Estos incluyen maltrato físico, psicológico, sexual y negligencia, así como algunas formas de disfunción familiar. Objetivo Examinar la frecuencia de las EAI y su relación con la salud mental y física de adultos en Ciudad Juárez. Método 389 personas de entre 18 y 65 años, en un estudio transversal con muestra incidental y participación voluntaria. Los instrumentos empleados fueron PHQ-9 para depresión, GAD-7 para ansiedad y PHQ-15 para síntomas psicosomáticos. Resultados El 75% reportó al menos un tipo de adversidad y el 31.4% tres o más. Reportar 3+ EAI estuvo asociado con un incremento en Odds Ratio para depresión (OR = 5.04, 95% IC [2.38, 10.68]), ansiedad (OR = 3.33, 95% IC [1.09, 6.99]), severidad psicosomática (OR = 4.58, 95% IC [2.53, 8.29]), obesidad (OR = 2.08, 95% IC [1.21, 3.59]) y limitaciones por malestares físicos o emocionales (OR = 5.90, 95% IC [2.88, 12.09]). Una mayor ansiedad se asoció con abuso sexual (OR = 2.12 95% IC [.92, 4.85]) y haber sido testigo de violencia (OR = 5.09, 95% IC [1.04, 24.77]). Mayor riesgo de severidad psicosomática se presentó si se reportaba abuso sexual (OR = 1.94 95% IC [1.06, 3.54]) y negligencia (OR = 1.84, 95% IC = [1.02, .32]). Discusión y conclusión Las EAI están asociadas con dificultades de salud mental y psicosomatización. Se confirma relación entre los distintos tipos de adversidad y la salud.