Abstract:
Low birthweight is associated with poor health, developmental, and social outcomes throughout the lifespan. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is also associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes in adulthood. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between low birthweight (LBW), exposure to ACES, and subsequent utilization of mental health service. Data analysis was conducted using a subset of data from children ages 6-17 years from the National Survey of Children\'s Health (NSCH) for 2018-2019 (n = 40,656). Welch ANOVA, Pearson\'s chi-square, and logistic regression investigated the relationship between LBW, ACEs, and mental health. LBW children in this sample had higher exposure to ACEs when compared to not low birthweight (NBW) children. LBW children also had a higher reported incidence of identified mental health (MH) issues. There was no significant association between birthweight and unmet MH service needs. LBW children with an ACE score or two or more were more likely to have an unidentified MH issue and/or an unmet MH service need. The results demonstrate LBW children experience higher levels of adversity. Children with ACE scores of two or more and those with unidentified MH issues have a higher likelihood of unmet MH needs. Professionals working in the health, education, and social service sectors can use this information to raise awareness of the increased vulnerability and more effectively meet the mental health needs of LBW children.
摘要:
低出生体重与健康状况不佳有关,发展,和整个生命周期的社会结果。暴露于不良的童年经历(ACE)也与成年期的负面心理和身体健康结果有关。本研究的目的是探讨低出生体重(LBW)与接触ACES,以及随后对精神卫生服务的利用。使用2018-2019年全国儿童健康调查(NSCH)中6-17岁儿童的数据子集进行数据分析(n=40,656)。韦尔奇方差分析,皮尔森的卡方,和逻辑回归研究了LBW之间的关系,ACE,和心理健康。与非低出生体重(NBW)儿童相比,该样本中的LBW儿童对ACE的暴露更高。LBW儿童也有较高的已确定的心理健康(MH)问题的报告发生率。出生体重与未满足的MH服务需求之间没有显着关联。ACE评分或两个或两个以上的LBW儿童更有可能有未识别的MH问题和/或未满足的MH服务需求。结果表明,LBW儿童经历更高水平的逆境。ACE评分为2分或2分以上的儿童以及未发现MH问题的儿童更有可能未满足MH需求。从事健康工作的专业人士,教育,和社会服务部门可以利用这一信息提高对脆弱性增加的认识,更有效地满足低出生体重儿童的心理健康需求。