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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Relationship with Poor Sexual Health Outcomes: Results from Four Cross-Sectional Surveys

Author

Listed:
  • Sara K. Wood

    (Policy and International Health, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-Being, Public Health Wales, Wrexham LL13 7YP, UK)

  • Kat Ford

    (Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham LL13 7YP, UK)

  • Hannah C. E. Madden

    (School of Social Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool L6 1HP, UK)

  • Catherine A. Sharp

    (Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK)

  • Karen E. Hughes

    (Policy and International Health, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-Being, Public Health Wales, Wrexham LL13 7YP, UK
    Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham LL13 7YP, UK)

  • Mark A. Bellis

    (Policy and International Health, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-Being, Public Health Wales, Wrexham LL13 7YP, UK
    Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham LL13 7YP, UK)

Abstract

Improving understanding of risk factors for risky sexual behaviour is fundamental to achieve better population sexual health. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can increase the risk of poor sexual health outcomes, but most research is US-based. This study explored associations between ACEs and poor sexual health outcomes in the UK. Data from four cross-sectional ACE surveys with adult general populations in different regions of the UK from 2013–2015 ( n = 12,788) were analysed. Data included participants’ demographics, ACE exposure, and four sexual health outcomes: having early sex (<16 years), having an accidental teenage pregnancy, becoming a teenage parent, or having a lifetime diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection. ACE count was a consistent and significant predictor of all four sexual health outcomes for both males and females, with odds of these outcomes between three and seven times higher for those with 4+ ACEs compared to those with no ACEs. Increased risks of some, but not all, sexual health outcomes were also found with higher residential deprivation, younger age, being of white ethnicity, and being born to a teenage mother. Findings highlight the need for effective interventions to prevent and ameliorate the lifelong effects of ACEs. Trauma-informed relationships and sex education, sexual health services, and antenatal/postnatal services, particularly for teenagers and young parents, could provide opportunities to prevent ACEs and support those affected. Ensuring that those living in deprived areas have access to services and that barriers to uptake are addressed is also key.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara K. Wood & Kat Ford & Hannah C. E. Madden & Catherine A. Sharp & Karen E. Hughes & Mark A. Bellis, 2022. "Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Relationship with Poor Sexual Health Outcomes: Results from Four Cross-Sectional Surveys," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8869-:d:868410
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jordan L. Thomas & Jessica B. Lewis & Jeannette R. Ickovics & Shayna D. Cunningham, 2021. "Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sexual Risk among Postpartum Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Lei Zhang & Dandan Zhang & Ying Sun, 2019. "Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Pubertal Timing Among Girls: A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Austin, A. & Herrick, H. & Proescholdbell, S., 2016. "Adverse childhood experiences related to poor adult health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(2), pages 314-320.
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