- Posted
- January 14, 2021
HPIO analysis: More than two-thirds of Ohioans exposed to adverse childhood experiences
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Analysis by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio has found that more than two-thirds of Ohioans have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs.
ACEs, potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, can generally be grouped into three categories: abuse, household challenges and neglect.
The finding was included in a new fact sheet released by HPIO based on a policy brief the Institute released in August.
“Exposure to ACEs is a pervasive problem affecting many children in Ohio and across the country,” the policy brief stated. “National data and analysis provide clear evidence that ACEs exposure is linked to poor health and well-being through adulthood, including disrupted neurodevelopment, social problems, disease, disability and premature death.”
More than one third of Ohio adults (36%) reported exposure to two or more ACEs. Ohioans of color, with low incomes, with disabilities and who are residents of urban or Appalachian counties were more likely to report exposure to multiple ACEs.
Among Ohioans who reported exposure to at least one ACE, the most common type of ACE reported was emotional abuse (57%), followed by substance use by a household member (41%) and parental divorce (36%).
The analysis, the first of its kind in the state of Ohio, is based on 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) ACEs data.
For any questions about the analysis, or if you would like to talk with authors of the report, please call or text Nick Wiselogel at 614.530.9918 or email nwiselogel@hpio.net.
