Racial/Ethnic Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences, Risky Health Behaviours, and Perceived Social Support

Citation

Norrington, Janette (2018). Racial/Ethnic Differences in Adverse Childhood Experiences, Risky Health Behaviours, and Perceived Social Support. Population Association of America Annual Meeting. Denver, CO.

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with risky health behaviors in adulthood. While we know the relationship between ACEs and health behaviors, we know less about racial/ethnic differences in exposure to ACEs and how clusters of ACEs impact health behaviors. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, I examine racial/ethnic differences in adverse childhood experiences, eating disorders, substance use, and perceived social support. I found that African-American and Hispanic respondents reported more ACEs than their white counterparts, and that white respondents had more perceived social support than African-Americans. High ACE scores were associated with cigarette smoking, illegal drug use, binge eating, and dietary restraint. The impact of perceived social support varied by race and could not completely explain the association between ACEs and the risky health behaviors, so further research is warranted.

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

Population Association of America Annual Meeting

Author(s)

Norrington, Janette

Year Published

2018

City of Publication

Denver, CO

Reference ID

6741