The relationship of adverse childhood experiences to a history of premature death of family members

TLDR

Adverse childhood experiences are linked to higher risk of leading causes of adult death and tend to be familial and intergenerational. The study aimed to evaluate whether individuals reporting more ACEs were more likely to have family members who died before age 65. Researchers analyzed survey data from 17,337 health plan members who reported 10 types of ACEs and family member deaths before age 65 to examine prevalence and associations. Results showed that respondents with any ACEs had a significantly higher prevalence of family member premature death, with the strongest risk among those physically neglected or living with substance‑abusing or criminal family members, and an OR of 1.8 for ≥4 ACEs versus none.

Abstract

To assess the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including childhood abuse and neglect, and serious household dysfunction, and premature death of a family member. Because ACEs increase the risk for many of the leading causes of death in adults and tend to be familial and intergenerational, we hypothesized that persons who report having more ACEs would be more likely to have family members at risk of premature death. We used data from 17,337 adult health plan members who completed a survey about 10 types of ACEs and whether a family member died before age 65. The prevalence of family member premature death and its association with ACEs were assessed. Family members of respondents who experienced any type of ACEs were more likely to have elevated prevalence for premature death relative to those of respondents without such experience (p < 0.01). The highest risk occurred among those who reported having been physically neglected and living with substance abusing or criminal family members during childhood. A powerful graded relationship between the number of ACEs and premature mortality in the family was observed for all age groups, and comparison between groups reporting 0 ACE and ≥ 4 ACEs yielded an OR of 1.8 (95%CI, 1.6–2.0). Adverse childhood experiences may be an indicator of a chaotic family environment that results in an increased risk of premature death among family members.