Health Indicator Report of Adverse Childhood Experiences ACEs

ACEs are common across all sociodemographic characteristics, yet some populations are more vulnerable to experiencing ACEs, such as children living in poverty and racial and ethnic minorities, because of the structural and social conditions in which some children and families live, learn, work, and play. Adults who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native are impacted with the highest numbers of ACEs, 31.2% having 4+ ACEs (almost double the overall prevalence); followed by Multiracial at 23.2% and Black at 22.2%.

Notes

All questions refer to the time period before respondents were 18 years of age.   The 4+ ACE score is highlighted here because research suggests a higher prevalence of negative long-term impacts with higher ACE scores.

Data Source

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Data Interpretation Issues

BRFSS Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Module Looking back before you were 18 years of age---. 1) Did you live with anyone who was depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal? 2) Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic? 3) Did you live with anyone who used illegal street drugs or who abused prescription medications? 4) Did you live with anyone who served time or was sentenced to serve time in a prison, jail, or other correctional facility? 5) Were your parents separated or divorced? 6) How often did your parents or adults in your home ever slap, hit, kick, punch or beat each other up? 7) Before age 18, how often did a parent or adult in your home ever hit, beat, kick, or physically hurt you in any way? Do not include spanking. 8) How often did a parent or adult in your home ever swear at you, insult you, or put you down? 9) How often did anyone at least 5 years older than you or an adult, ever touch you sexually? 10) How often did anyone at least 5 years older than you or an adult, try to make you touch sexually? 11) How often did anyone at least 5 years older than you or an adult, force you to have sex? Module Weaknesses: Limited to specific more common adversities; Severity or frequency of potential trauma is unknown; All experiences are weighted equally; Module does not account for protective factors in the past that might prevent or mitigate the negative long-term impacts of childhood adversities.

Definition

Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. The ACEs included here are a collection of common experiences that may be traumatic to children and youth. They include abuse, neglect, and household challenges that occur during the first 18 years of life. ACEs have been shown to have a potential impact on future violence, victimization, and perpetration, as well as lifelong health and opportunity. ACEs are common; as nearly two-thirds (61.6%) of surveyed U.S. adults experienced at least one ACE and many adults experienced more than one. ACEs can affect optimal health and development across the lifespan, particularly in the absence of protective factors. However, ACEs are preventable, and when present their effects can be mitigated.

Numerator

The 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020 BRFSS respondents who responded affirmatively to the eleven questions in the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Module.

Denominator

The number of adults aged 18 and above who participated in the 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020 BRFSS.

Healthy People Objective IVP-38:

Reduce nonfatal child maltreatment
U.S. Target: 8.5 maltreatment victims per 1,000 children

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

When comparing BRFSS data, the prevalence of 4+ ACEs in Utah is lower than nationally (15.4% vs 15.8%). National prevalence comes from a 2018 Merrick, et al. study that included 2011-2014 BRFSS data from 23 states, while Utah prevalence is from the ACEs Module included in the Utah BRFSS in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2022. Source: Merrick, M.T., Ford, D.C., Ports, K. A., Guinn, A. S. (2018). Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences From the 2011-2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 23 States. JAMA Pediatrics, 172(11), 1038-1044.

Evidence-based Practices

Promote safe stable nurturing relationships and environments for all children by:

Available Services

The Violence and Injury Prevention Program housed in the Utah Department of Health in coordination with the Utah Coalition for Protecting Childhood (UCPC) has developed a State Action Plan for the Primary Prevention of Child Maltreatment in Utah utilizing the CDC's Essentials for Childhood framework. This plan includes specific strategies and approaches to preventing ACEs and mitigating their negative effects by creating safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all Utah children. The state plan can be found at vipp.health.utah.gov This is also a sensitive topic and if you need information or help finding support for your own experiences you can dial 1-800-422-4453.