A Short Adverse Experiences Measure Among Mothers of Young Children

• DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063882
• Publication Date: 2024-03-07T08:05:29Z
• Authors: Félice Lê-Scherban; Anqi Wang; Kelly A. Courts; Stephanie Ettinge...; Roy Wade; Mariana Chilton
• Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences

OBJECTIVES Screening for parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in pediatric settings can be burdensome because of the questionnaire’s length and sensitive nature. Rapid screening tools may help address these challenges. We evaluated a 2-item short ACE measure developed adults cross-sectional sample mothers young children an urban emergency department. METHODS From January 2011 to March 2020, we administered questionnaire English or Spanish 3999 biological aged <4 years department Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. assessed sensitivity specificity shortened defined as report emotional abuse and/or household substance use, using 4+ ACEs on full standard. convergent validity by comparing associations standard measures with maternal, household, child outcomes adjusted log-binomial regression. RESULTS Mothers were racially ethnically diverse (54% Latina, 35% Black non-Latina); 94% publicly insured. Thirteen percent reported 16% use; 23% at least 1 6% both. Compared questionnaire, had 88% 90%. In models, high adversity was associated poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A assessing use useful identify who have experienced significant inform development, testing, provision comprehensive family supports.