Prevalence of adverse childhood expriences (aces) among patients with substance use disorder at Mathari hospital

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders are a major cause of health and social problems worldwide. Research evidence shows a strong graded relationship of adverse childhood experiences and substance use in adulthood. Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and their association with substance use among patients with substance use disorders. Method: 134 patients aged 18 years and above and were receiving inpatient management for substance use disorders at Mathari Hospital were interviewed. A mental state exam was done to rule out active psychopathology and screening for adverse childhood experiences and substance use done using ACE-IQ and ASSIST tools, respectively. Results: Of the 134 participants 118 were males (88.1%) and 16 females (11.9%). The median age was 28 years (inter quartile range: 25-30). Alcohol was the substance most used reported by 86.6%, followed by tobacco and cannabis with cocaine and opioids being the least used. Only 9.7% reported use a single substance. 89.6% reported having experienced at least one ACE, 14.3% reported only one ACE and 46.3% had experienced ≥4 ACES. . The ACEs associated with substance use were, emotional neglect, household member with mental illness and household member treated violently. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among patients on treatment for substance use disorders at Mathari hospital. Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and khat are the most commonly used substances. In addition, adverse childhood experiences were associated with substance use.