Introduction

As children grow up, they experience critical stages of life that frame their future, both physically and mentally. Therefore, raising children in safe and nurturing environments is important in decreasing health consequences in the future. On a broader level, mitigating childhood trauma is a critical initiative when promoting public health for early adolescents. It becomes all the more practical when understanding that everyone can play a part in achieving such goals.

ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience)

Through various studies and questionnaires, researchers were able to examine the connection between ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) events and health-related problems. They used a rating and points system to ultimately result in an ACE score. This ACE score was used to statistically determine the probability of developing certain risk factors, including smoking, suicide, and chronic bronchitis. This study used an adjusted odds ratio to determine the association between exposure and an outcome occurring. So for instance, people who experienced at least 4 ACE events had an odds ratio of 3.9 for chronic bronchitis. As such, an odds ratio of 3.9 would indicate that ACE events are risk factors for chronic bronchitis. This study greatly emphasized the necessity to take care of children from a practical standpoint of alleviating health issues and risk factors.

Addiction

A paper later published in 2012 analyzed the connection between addiction and childhood trauma. It cited previous studies that consistently demonstrated a majority of drug addicts who experienced childhood trauma (ranging from physical to emotional abuse). Breaking down the pathways that make up the brain, the study illustrates the logic behind how previous traumatic experiences are a risk factor for substance addiction due to disruptions in normal brain activity. They also point out the association between such ACE exposure and stress response mechanisms, explaining how trauma could alter hormone (such as adrenaline and cortisol) pathways and signals, and as such, influence addiction in the future. 

Applications

While the premise of this article may appear to be grim, especially after stating the strong connections between childhood trauma and adverse health outcomes, it’s important to note that there is hope. There is potential for us to significantly reduce health issues when there is a greater understanding amongst the public on how we can all work together to provide a more supportive environment for future generations to grow up in. A study conducted in Mexico emphasized how medical practitioners, in the future, could screen patients for history of trauma to better provide comprehensive services. In addition, word of mouth is a generally powerful method to spread knowledge. A TedTalk shed light on this topic in a compelling way to the audience, demonstrating that awareness is an effective tool for improving public health. Lastly, there is an attached image below from CDC that lists more practical ways to cultivate an uplifting environment for children. From positive parenting practices that would foster a safe and nurturing environment for children to prevent acts of violence to mentoring programs that connect youth to caring adults, these examples are some effective ways to bring up future generations in a healthy manner.