Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Analysis by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) has found that more than two-thirds of Ohioans have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
The finding was included in a new fact sheet released by HPIO based on its policy brief from August 2020.
ACEs, potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, can generally be grouped into three categories: abuse, household challenges, and neglect.
“Exposure to ACEs is a pervasive problem affecting many children in Ohio and across the country,” the policy brief stated. “National data and analysis provide clear evidence that ACEs exposure is linked to poor health and well-being through adulthood, including disrupted neurodevelopment, social problems, disease, disability, and premature death.”
More than one-third of Ohio adults (36%) reported exposure to two or more ACEs. Ohioans of color, with low incomes, with disabilities, and who are residents of urban or Appalachian counties were more likely to report exposure to multiple ACEs.
Among Ohioans who reported exposure to at least one ACE, the most common type of ACE reported was emotional abuse (57%), followed by substance use by a household member (41%), and parental divorce (36%).