Association Between Adverse Childhood Experience and Major Chronic Conditions in Adulthood: Rapid Literature Review

Song Geumju, Kim Il-yeol
Division of Chronic Disease Prevention, Center for Disease Prevention, KCDC

Studies are increasingly examining the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on long-term psychological and physical health outcomes. Using a rapid literature review method, this study reviewed two existing systematic review studies to identify the association between ACEs and major chronic conditions in adulthood. Study results showed that ACEs had a statistically significant association with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver or digestive disease, and respiratory disease. Establishment of a national surveillance system and the development of programs and policies to prevent and manage ACEs are needed to identify the status of ACEs and the association between ACEs and major chronic conditions.

Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences, Chronic disease, Systematic review