ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors in Undergraduate Health Students
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Risk Behaviours among the Undergraduate Health Campus Students
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Mardhiah Majid, Azriani Ab Rahman, Fahisham Taib
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Risk Behaviours among the Undergraduate Health Campus Students
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.13
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events that occur before the age of 18, including various forms of abuse and neglect, exposure to violence, and household dysfunction. The significance of ACEs lies in their correlation with long-term health outcomes, influencing individuals' risk for various health risk behaviors (HRBs). A study conducted at a public university in northeast Malaysia aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ACEs among undergraduate students and to investigate their associations with HRBs. By analyzing data from 973 participants, the study highlights critical connections between childhood experiences and health behaviors in young adults.
Emotional Abuse and Neglect
One of the most alarming findings from the study is the prevalence of emotional abuse and neglect, which affected 30.2% and 29.2% of participants, respectively. These forms of maltreatment can have profound psychological impacts, potentially leading to detrimental behaviors in adulthood. The study found that those who reported experiencing emotional neglect were 2.26 times more likely to engage in sexual intercourse, suggesting a direct link between early emotional trauma and later risky sexual behaviors. Moreover, the participants demonstrated a high prevalence of physical inactivity (54.5%) and issues like obesity (28.8%). The study emphasizes that exposure to multiple ACEs tends to compound the risk of developing various HRBs, indicating that childhood experiences significantly shape adult behavior.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing ACEs as a significant public health issue in Malaysia. With a notable percentage of students experiencing various forms of maltreatment during childhood, there is an urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies. As identified in the research, emotional and physical abuses, alongside household dysfunctions, are not only prevalent but have lasting consequences that manifest in unhealthy behaviors. Ensuring better screening methods and support systems for those affected by childhood adversities is essential to reduce morbidity and promote healthier future outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)?
ACEs are traumatic events occurring before age 18, including abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, or household dysfunction. These experiences can have significant long-term impacts on physical and mental health throughout a person's life.
How prevalent are ACEs among university students in Malaysia?
The study found that 26% of Malaysian university students reported experiencing at least one ACE. Emotional and physical abuse were the most frequently reported forms of maltreatment among participants.
What health risk behaviors (HRBs) are associated with ACEs?
ACEs are linked to various HRBs, including smoking, physical inactivity, substance use, and depression. The study indicates that students exposed to ACEs are at higher risk for engaging in these unhealthy behaviors.
What were the findings regarding gender differences in ACEs?
Male participants reported higher rates of emotional abuse and neglect compared to female participants. The findings suggest that gender may influence perceptions of adversity and its impact on mental health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors in Undergraduate Health Students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
Table refers to a structured arrangement used in the research to present data clearly and effectively. In the context of this study, it displays demographic characteristics, proportions of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), health risk behaviors (HRBs), and associations, facilitating quick comparison and analysis of the findings among participants.
2) Study (Studying):
Study denotes a systematic investigation aiming to understand the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and health risk behaviors (HRBs). This research is crucial to uncover patterns that can influence public health strategies, offering insights into how ACEs contribute to behavioral and health challenges in young adults.
3) Male:
Male indicates one of the two primary sexes being studied within the research, highlighting unique experiences and impacts of ACEs. The study revealed that male participants were exposed to various forms of childhood adversities and health behaviors, offering critical insights into gender-related differences in coping and outcomes.
4) Campu:
Campus refers to the physical location of a public university where the study took place, specifically focused on its health faculties. The campus serves as a unique context to analyze undergraduate students' experiences, particularly examining their psychological and health behaviors in a formative educational environment.
5) Drug:
Drug in this context refers to illicit substances that may affect health risk behaviors, particularly among university students. The study sought to understand the prevalence of substance use, its association with adverse childhood experiences, and the implications for health education and interventions in higher education settings.
6) Life:
Life refers to the duration of an individual's existence from childhood to adulthood, during which adverse experiences can significantly impact physical and mental health. The study emphasizes the long-term influence these childhood adversities can have, shaping behaviors, health outcomes, and overall life trajectories of young adults.
7) Family:
Family represents the primary social unit influencing an individual's upbringing and experiences of adversity. The study examined familial structures, such as single-parent households and parental dysfunction, which contribute to adverse childhood experiences, shedding light on the ways family dynamics affect health and well-being in young adulthood.
8) Anda (Amda):
Anda is likely referencing a primary author or contributor to the study on adverse childhood experiences. Their previous research provides invaluable context for understanding the implications and correlations between childhood adversities and health behaviors, contributing scholarly weight to the findings presented in this study.
9) Mental health:
Mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of individuals. The study explores how adverse childhood experiences are linked to mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, and how these experiences can predispose individuals to engage in various health risk behaviors throughout their lives.
10) Disease:
Disease refers to a state of ill health that can be influenced by psychological and environmental factors, including adverse childhood experiences. The study investigates the correlation between such experiences and the development of various health issues in later life, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions.
11) Rules:
Rules signify the guidelines that govern research methodologies, ethical considerations, and data analysis within the study. Adhering to these rules ensures the integrity of the findings, contributing to the establishment of reliable evidence about the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and subsequent health behaviors.
12) Developing:
Developing highlights the context of Malaysia as a nation experiencing progress in health and education sectors. The study focuses on the unique challenges faced by Malaysian youth regarding adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviors, which may differ from those in more developed countries, enriching the discourse on public health.
13) Street:
Street usually refers to community environments where exposure to violence can occur, contributing to adverse childhood experiences. In the study, the impact of witnessing street violence on students' health risk behaviors is examined, emphasizing how such environmental factors play a significant role in shaping behavioral outcomes.
14) Belli:
Belli may refer to an author or a concept related to behavioral studies in the research context. Their contributions or theories may help ground the study's findings in existing literature, highlighting critical connections between childhood experiences, behaviors, and health outcomes within the specific demographic of university students.
15) Death:
Death signifies the ultimate consequence of adverse health behaviors, which may be linked to childhood adversities. The study examines how health risk behaviors originating from adverse childhood experiences can lead to lifelong health issues, underscoring the importance of early intervention and preventive measures in academic settings.
16) Depression:
Depression is a significant mental health condition often correlated with adverse childhood experiences. The study explores how experiences of maltreatment can increase susceptibility to depressive symptoms in university students, revealing the mental health implications that need to be addressed in educational and healthcare environments.
17) Education:
Education refers to the key element of the study population, namely undergraduate students. The research emphasizes the role of higher education institutions in identifying and addressing the health needs of students affected by adverse childhood experiences, fostering an environment for intervention and support for mental health and well-being.
18) Activity:
Activity denotes physical and social engagements that are crucial for personal health and well-being. In the context of the study, it assesses how adverse childhood experiences can affect physical activity levels among university students, linking these behaviors to potential health risks like obesity and related conditions.
19) Marriage:
Marriage represents a significant aspect of family dynamics that can affect individuals' experiences with adverse childhood experiences. The study may examine how parental marital status impacts children’s upbringing, stability, and predisposition to health risk behaviors, highlighting the broader societal implications of marital conditions on youth development.
20) Science (Scientific):
Science embodies the approach used in the study to investigate adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviors. By employing scientific methods, the research establishes a foundation for understanding complex interactions between childhood adversities and their long-term effects on student health, contributing to the evidence base for public health practice.
21) Cancer:
Cancer signifies a severe health condition that can be influenced by multiple factors, including adverse childhood experiences. The study highlights the potential link between early life adversities and the increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer in later life, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures.
22) Silver:
Silver could refer to a key contributor to research on health risk behaviors correlated with adverse childhood experiences. Their methodologies or findings may provide essential insights into addressing the implications of such experiences on youth behavior, deepening our understanding of gendered differences in these contexts.
23) Fight:
Fight denotes aggression, which may be a health risk behavior linked to adverse childhood experiences. The study explores how individuals who have encountered violence or conflict in their childhood might exhibit higher tendencies toward physical altercations, impacting their social interactions and mental well-being during their university years.
24) Food:
Food represents a basic necessity linked to physical health, which can be affected by adverse childhood experiences such as neglect. The study examines how inadequate nutrition during formative years can influence health behaviors and risks, drawing attention to the importance of addressing basic needs in childhood for better health outcomes.
25) Pir:
Peer indicates the social dynamics within university settings that can influence health behaviors. The study looks at how peer relationships may contribute to or mitigate health risk behaviors among students, especially those who have experienced adverse childhood backgrounds, reflecting the importance of social support in educational contexts.
26) Perception:
Perception refers to how individuals interpret and respond to their experiences, which can be affected by adverse childhood experiences. The study investigates how students' perceptions of their past adversities contribute to their current behaviors, mental health outcomes, and overall well-being, emphasizing the subjective nature of these experiences.
27) Discussion:
Discussion represents a critical section of the study where findings are analyzed in depth. It reflects on the implications of the data collected regarding adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviors, allowing for interpretation and recommendations on addressing these issues within the university community and the healthcare system.
28) Substance:
Substance refers to drugs or alcohol that are often linked to health risk behaviors. The study explores the relationship between childhood adversities and subsequent substance use, providing insights into how early life experiences can predispose individuals to engage in potentially harmful behaviors during their university years.
29) Language:
Language signifies a medium for communication and understanding, essential for conveying research findings. In the study, language plays a crucial role in ensuring that the sensitive topics of childhood adversities and health risk behaviors are presented in a way that is comprehensible and respectful to participants and stakeholders.
30) Indian:
Indian refers to the ethnic group represented in the study. Understanding cultural backgrounds, including those of Indian descent, allows for a more nuanced analysis of how cultural factors might influence experiences of adversity, health behaviors, and the intersectionality of ethnicity with health risk phenomena across different demographics.
31) Pose:
Pose refers to the potential risks or challenges presented by adverse childhood experiences. In the study, it indicates how childhood adversities can create significant life challenges, establishing the necessity of addressing these risks proactively to mitigate their effects on health behaviors and overall student well-being.
32) Seat (Seated):
Seat may refer to issues related to safety and behavior within vehicles, as highlighted by the study assessing health risk behaviors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safe practices, such as wearing seatbelts, particularly among young adults who often engage in risky behaviors and may overlook safety protocols.
33) Post:
Post refers to follow-up activities or research conducted after the primary study findings. It emphasizes the need for ongoing assessment and intervention strategies aimed at addressing the health implications of adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviors in university students in the wake of initial findings.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors in Undergraduate Health Students’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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