Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Baharun, Mohamad Izmul Hakem and Prem Kumar, Nivasheene and Mohd Deen, Iwana Izah (2021) Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students, Universiti Putra Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK1 2021 34.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

Background Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events occurring during early life. ACEs include physical, emotional and sexual abuse, physical and emotional neglect, substance abuse, incarcerated household members, parental separation, parental mental illness, household violence, bullying, collective violence and community violence. The more a child experiences ACEs, the more likely for them to suffer later in life from suicidal behaviour, depression, chronic health illness, poor academic performance and substance abuse. In Malaysia, there was a rise in reports of all forms of abuse, with triple the number of cases between 2001 and 2010, to more than 3000 per year. Objective Our study aims to assess the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among undergraduate medical students. Besides, this study also aims to assess the factors (sociodemographic factors, parental factors) associated with ACEs among undergraduate medical students. Methodology This study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia (UPM). The study design chosen was a cross-sectional study and it was carried out from 20th December 2020 until 31st May 2021. Our sampling population were year 1 to year 4 undergraduate medical students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in UPM and the total eligible participants were 445 students, however the targeted population was only 410 students. Students that were excluded from the study were those who did not have internet connection during data collection and this included a 35% non-response rate. However, we only managed to achieve 82% response rate which was 336 participants. The questionnaire used was the World Health Organization Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) with Cronbach alpha value of 0.76 which showed good reliability. For the data 8 analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used. Chi-Square test, Fisher’s Exact test and multiple logistic regression were conducted to analyse bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results Thirteen types of ACEs were assessed in the study. The prevalence of at least one ACE reported by participants was about 97% and more than half had experienced at least 4 ACEs. The third most frequently reported adverse childhood experiences were emotional neglect (94.3%) followed by community violence (56.3%) and collective violence (45.2%). Multiple logistic regression showed respondents whose fathers obtained secondary school education or less were 3 times more likely to have been abused either physically, emotionally or sexually compared to respondents whose fathers had higher education level (OR = 3.046, 95% CI: 1.014 – 9.152, P = 0.047). While respondents with mothers who smoke were nearly 17 times more likely to experience household dysfunction compared to those who have mothers who did not smoke. (OR = 16.815, 95% CI: 1.822 – 150.220, p = 0.012). Conclusion This study shows that ACEs were experienced by majority of undergraduate medical students with the most common ACEs were emotional neglect, community violence, and collective violence. Parental education and maternal smoking status were important predictors for adverse childhood experiences. These should be the target groups for prevention of childhood adverse experiences.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2023 04:35
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2023 04:35
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1051

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