Negative Impact of Childhood Trauma Persists Across Generations 

Washington, DC, USA – November 2024: History of childhood trauma carries negative health impacts across multiple generations of mothers and their children in the United States. This is according to a new study in the GHEP Journal, International Journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health (IJTRansmed) based in Washington, DC.

The research demonstrates that a history of adverse childhood experiences puts mothers and their babies at a greater risk of acute and long-term health issues, including infections and cancer. Additionally, a partner’s involvement during pregnancy can offset those risks and positively impact the health of mothers and babies.

The study which was led by Amina P. Alio, PhD, a Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and the Center for Community Health and Prevention at the University of Rochester and the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, is among the few studies examining the link between maternal trauma in childhood and paternal engagement on a longitudinal basis.

According to the researchers, childhood trauma, referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the study,  are traumatic events occurring before age 18, which can come in the form of different types of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. In the United States, about 61 percent of adults reported experiencing at least one childhood trauma.

“Exposure to ACEs correlates with various health risks, including depression, alcoholism, stroke, diabetes, and asthma,” warn the study’s authors.

The researchers Interviewed 1,879 new mothers living in Monroe County, New York, between 2015 and 2017. The researchers used prenatal data and maternal history collected from the Monroe County Mothers and Babies Health Survey (MBHS). MBHS is a research initiative focused on assessing the health and well-being of expectant mothers and infants in Monroe County, New York. The 200-question survey was offered in English and Spanish.

They found that women are more affected by ACEs in comparison to men. Expectant mothers experiencing ACEs face increased risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth, which can negatively impact the health of infants.

The study also shows that a father’s support during pregnancy can positively impact maternal behavior and child outcomes, such as improved prenatal care and decreased infant mortality.

The research study was titled “Maternal History of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsequent Infant Paternal Involvement.”

Read the full article at: https://ijtmrph.org/maternal-history-of-adverse-childhood-experiences-and-subsequent-infant-paternal-involvement/

Reporter: Lisa Giesse (Volunteer)
Editor: Dr. Romuladus Azuine

Media contacts:
If you are a news reporter or journalist and wants to interview the study authors, reach out to the contact below

Rowena Saplala, BS
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