Adverse childhood experiences among youths with emotional and behavioural problems

Abstract

Background: Prevention and reduction of emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) is essential for health and well-being of youths and their families. Adverse childhood experiences increases a likelihood of EBP occurrence and can indicate one of the routes of prevention. Therefore, the aim would be to explore associations of adverse childhood experiences with involvement in system of care (counselling, social care and healthcare) due to EBP. Methods: Longitudinal prospective cohort study involves youths and their families, who enter the system of care for EBP or come from general population of the respective region (community sample). Current sample consist of 19 respondents (mean age=13.71 years old, 89% boys) from system of care and 59 respondents (mean age=13.45 years old, 52% boys) from community sample. Binary logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, socioeconomic status and subjective well-being will be used to explore proposed associations of adverse childhood experiences with involvement in system of care due to EBP. Expected results: We expect adverse childhood experiences and their accumulation to be more likely among youths within system of care in comparison with youths from community sample. Current stage of work: There is still ongoing data collection with expected sample of 100 respondents from system of care and 100 respondents from community sample in the first wave of data collection at the end of June. Discussion: Early identification of adverse childhood experiences which might increase risk of EBP has a potential to prevent occurrence of EBP and to assure in time delivery of care.