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Setting the Stage for Chronic Health Problems: Cumulative Childhood Adversity among Homeless Adults with Mental Illness in Vancouver, British Columbia

Resource type
Date created
2014
Authors/Contributors
Abstract
BackgroundIt is well documented that childhood abuse, neglect and household dysfunction are disproportionately present in the backgrounds of homeless adults, and that these experiences adversely impact child development and a wide range of adult outcomes. However, few studies have examined the cumulative impact of adverse childhood experiences on homeless adults with mental illness. This study examines adverse events in childhood as predictors of duration of homelessness, psychiatric and substance use disorders, and physical health in a sample of homeless adults with mental illness.MethodsThis study was conducted using baseline data from a randomized controlled trial in Vancouver, British Columbia for participants who completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale at 18 months follow-up (n = 364). Primary outcomes included current mental disorders; substance use including type, frequency and severity; physical health; duration of homelessness; and vocational functioning.ResultsIn multivariable regression models, ACE total score independently predicted a range of mental health, physical health, and substance use problems, and marginally predicted duration of homelessness.ConclusionsAdverse childhood experiences are overrepresented among homeless adults with complex comorbidities and chronic homelessness. Our findings are consistent with a growing body of literature indicating that childhood traumas are potent risk factors for a number of adult health and psychiatric problems, particularly substance use problems. Results are discussed in the context of cumulative adversity and self-trauma theory.Trials registrationThis trial has been registered with the International Standard Randomized Control Trial Number Register and assigned ISRCTN42520374.
Document
Description
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-14-350.pdf
Published as
BMC Public Health 2014, 14:350 doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-350The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/14/350
Publication title
BMC Public Health
Document title
Setting the Stage for Chronic Health Problems: Cumulative Childhood Adversity among Homeless Adults with Mental Illness in Vancouver, British Columbia
Date
2014
Volume
14
Publisher DOI
10.1186/1471-2458-14-350
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author(s).
Scholarly level
Peer reviewed?
Yes
Language
English
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1471-2458-14-350.pdf 222.39 KB

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