Adverse childhood experiences and engagement with healthcare services: Findings from a survey of adults in Wales and England (30 April 2024)

Summary

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poorer health outcomes. However, the association between ACEs and healthcare engagement remains relatively underexplored, particularly within the UK. This report presents the findings of an online survey of adults living in Wales and England which looked at the association between ACEs and healthcare engagement, including comfort in the use of healthcare services.

The report highlights the following key findings:

• High ACE exposure is associated with greater medication use. Individuals with four or more ACEs were more likely to report having been prescribed antibiotics in the last 12 months and to be currently using prescription medicine. 
• Having two or more ACEs was associated with current use of prescription medicine for mental ill-health, with odds of reporting such a prescription being doubled in those with four or more ACEs.
• There is a relationship between ACEs and medication adherence, with individuals with two or more ACEs being more likely to report poor medication adherence.
• ACE exposure was linked to having not received all routine childhood vaccinations.
• Individuals with multiple ACEs were substantially more likely to perceive that professionals do not care about their health or understand their problems.
• People exposed to multiple ACEs were more likely to report a poor childhood experience with health services.