There are numerous ongoing and emerging threats to health equity, such as climate change, artificial intelligence, lack of access to insurance, and disparities in exposure to adverse childhood experiences which can impact health for a lifetime. The P4HE Collaborative emphasizes the importance of understanding these threats to health equity and addressing them through cross-sector collaboration. This blog examines adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how different stakeholders can collaborate to address the challenges ACEs pose to health equity.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood, such as experiencing or witnessing violence, abuse, or neglect, and can have lasting negative effects on health and well-being long after they occur, and into adulthood. ACEs have been linked to several chronic conditions, such as depression, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as an increase in risky health behaviors, such as smoking and heavy drinking.
The impact of ACEs on adult health is profound. For instance, individuals who have experienced multiple ACEs are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can persist throughout their lives. Chronic stress from ACEs can lead to physiological changes that increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, ACEs can influence behaviors that further exacerbate health issues, such as substance abuse and poor diet.
Preventing these traumatic experiences has the potential to improve lifelong health equity. For example, reducing rates of ACEs can lead to lower rates of suicide, heart disease, and the misuse of prescription medications. Addressing ACEs not only prevents immediate harm but mitigates long-term health disparities.
ACEs are prevalent among adults in the United States, with 60% to 80% reporting they have experienced at least one type of adverse childhood experience between the ages of 1 and 17. Like many health equity issues, researchers have observed disparities in exposure rates based on gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing ACEs and their resulting health outcomes if they live in communities with high rates of poverty and violence, and low levels of community involvement. For example, the highest levels of exposure to ACEs have been reported among communities that have experienced racism and historical trauma, such as Native American and Black communities. Effectively addressing these disparities calls for addressing underlying social determinants of health.
Here are several ways different sectors can work together to reduce the prevalence of ACEs and improve lifelong health equity:
- Researchers can study the long-term effects of ACEs and develop interventions. Research and evaluation should be designed carefully to mitigate ACEs.
- Advocates can push for policies that address the root causes of ACEs and ensure access to trauma-informed mental health care for those affected.
- Philanthropists can fund programs that provide support to children and families affected by ACEs.
- Policymakers can implement regulations that protect children from adverse experiences.
- Cross-sector partnerships can help address the complex socioeconomic factors which lead to ACEs.
By collaborating, these groups can help reduce the prevalence of ACEs and improve lifelong health equity.
Interested in learning more?
- Check out our blog Adolescent Health Month: Spotlight on Mental Health Disparities.
- Subscribe to our P4HE Collaborative Newsletter to get notified when we post our resources from the webinar, Overcoming Threats to Health Equity: Today and Tomorrow.
- Stay tuned to our Learn page for updates on our upcoming programming.