Adverse childhood experiences, alcohol use in adulthood and mortality: Examining the associations using retrospective survey data and record linkage in Estonia

Longitudinal research suggests that childhood socioeconomic and psychosocial environment impact on health status in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to a wide range of physical and psychological health conditions in adulthood (including cardiac disease, cancer, lung disease and major depressive disorder) and to an increased risk of premature death. Despite the potential importance of the ACEs-adult health relation, as yet, the specific mechanism(s) linking ACEs with poorer adult health are unknown. Some studies have indicated that risky health behaviours may link ACEs and poor adult health, as adults who have experienced childhood adversities are at an increased risk of smoking, drinking and using illicit drugs. The aim of the present study is to use retrospective survey data and mortality registry data from Estonia, to examine if there is an association between ACEs and harmful alcohol consumption in adulthood, and whether risky drinking lies on the pathway between ACEs and premature adult mortality. The current study will build on and develop previous research in several ways. By extending this research to Eastern Europe it will be possible to focus on unique childhood adversities such as parental political repression and link it to adult mortality. By elucidating the relation between ACEs, health behaviour and subsequent mortality this research has potentially important theoretical and public health implications.

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Final report - Mall Leinsalu - Adverse childhood experiences, alcohol use in adulthood and mortality: Examining the associations using retrospective survey data and record linkage in Estonia