Adult Cancer Risk Behaviors Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Low Income Population in the Southeastern United States.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can affect health in adulthood. We investigate the relationship between childhood experiences and adult cancer risk and screening behaviors in a racially diverse, low income population.

Methods

Nearly 22,000 adults 40 years and older in the Southern Community Cohort Study were administered the ACE questionnaire. We estimated odds ratios (OR) for the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI and five cancer screening methods in relation to the ACE score.

Results

Over half reported at least one ACE, with percentages higher for women (61%) than men (53%). Higher ACE scores were related to increased prevalence of smoking (ORs 1.25 (1.05-1.50) to 2.33 (1.96-2.77). Little association was seen between rising ACE score and

SUBMITTER: Mouton CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4860265 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature