The association between adverse childhood experiences and adolescent pregnancy,
Abstract
Description
Few reports address the impact of cumulative exposure to childhood abuse and family dysfunction on teen pregnancy and consequences commonly attributed to teen pregnancy. Therefore, we examined whether adolescent pregnancy increased as types of adverse childhood experiences (ACE score) increased and whether ACEs or adolescent pregnancy was the principal source of elevated risk for long-term psychosocial consequences and fetal death. A retrospective cohort study of 9159 women aged >18 years (mean 56 years) who attended a primary care clinic in San Diego, California in 1995 1997. Adolescent pregnancy, psychosocial consequences, and fetal death, compared by ACE score (emotional, physical, or sexual abuse;exposure to domestic violence, substance abusing, mentally ill, or criminal household member; or separated/divorced parent). Adolescent pregnancy was not associated with any of these adult outcomes in the absence of childhood adversity (ACEs: 0). The ACE score was associated with increased fetal death after first pregnancy; teen pregnancy was not related to fetal death. The relationship between ACEs and adolescent pregnancy is strong and graded. Moreover, the negative psychosocial sequelae and fetal deaths commonly attributed to adolescent pregnancy seem to result from underlying ACEs rather than adolescent pregnancy per se.
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Keywords
Adverse childhood experience, Child welfare, Effects -- Adverse childhood