Association of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) in a multi-site safety net healthcare setting

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent public health challenges that have been shown to be strongly correlated. Although previous research has suggested a dose-response relationship between ACEs and SUDs, less is known about this phenomenon and the prevalence of ACEs in lower income, racially/ethnically diverse populations. This study sought to examine these relationships in a population treated at a multi-site safety net provider. Methods The ACEs survey was delivered as a standard assessment to all behavioral health patients seen at a large Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Connecticut. 4,378 patients completed the questionnaire. Both total score and individual ACE questions were correlated with diagnostic history, according to chi-square and multiple-group structural equation modeling tests. Results 84.8% of patients reported at least one ACE and 49.1% had an ACE score ≥4. Experiencing 1 or more ACEs predicted having any SUD, after controlling for race/ethnicity and gender. Parent substance use, physical abuse, and sexual abuse in particular were the strongest predictors of developing any SUD. Men and non-white individuals were more likely to develop an SUD with lower ACE scores than women and white individuals. Conclusions While ACEs predict an increased likelihood of developing any SUD, the nature of this relationship differs by both gender and race/ethnicity. In this FQHC patient population there is no obvious dose-response relationship between ACEs and SUDs. Additional research is required to help understand why the relationship between ACEs and SUDs observed here differs from other populations.