Understanding adverse Childhood Experiences as Predictors of Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use.

Introduction: This text summarizes a research article examining the associations among tobacco use, adverse childhood experiences (aCEs), mental health, and community health. The study aimed to answer four research questions and test two hypotheses using a large data set from a Community health Needs assessment in Florida.

Key Points:

* The study used an 11-item aCEs scale from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to assess 8 types of childhood adversities before age 18.
* high aCEs were found to be most prominent in marginalized individuals and were associated with current cigarette smoking and E-cigarette use.
* Social and community health was inversely associated with tobacco use.
* a 2-item aCEs measure was sufficient in identifying tobacco users.
* The study found that high aCEs were disproportionally reported by younger age cohorts, women, transgender/gender nonconforming individuals, sexual minorities, those identified as multiracial, people without a college education, and those without health insurance.
* The study also found bivariate differences in cigarette use among all of these demographic groups.
* The study used hierarchical binary logistic regression models to determine the associations between aCEs and tobacco use for 3 outcomes.

Main Message: The study highlights the importance of considering aCEs in community needs assessments for tobacco control efforts and prevention of chronic disease. The findings suggest that high aCEs are associated with tobacco use, and a 2-item aCEs measure can be sufficient in identifying tobacco users. The study also emphasizes the need for systematic screenings, prevention strategies, and early intervention programs to detect trauma and assist in preventing high-risk behavior early in life. additionally, the study cautions clinicians to weigh the benefits against the negative impact when assessing aCEs in clinical practice.

Martinasek MP, Wheldon CW, Parsons Ca, Bell La, Lipski BK. Understanding adverse Childhood Experiences as Predictors of Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use. american journal of preventive medicine. 2021;60(6):737-746. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.004