OBJECTIVETo analyze the prevalence and characteristics of childhood adverse experiences among adults aged 18-59 years and understand the association between childhood adverse experiences and risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted with a questionnaire among adults aged 18-59 years selected through cluster random sampling from 3 communities in Macheng, Hubei province. Uinivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between adverse experiences in childhood and the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

RESULTSA total of 1 767 adults aged 18-59 years were surveyed and 1 501 valid questionnaires were returned. The average age was (36.32± 10.20) years for males and (35.72±9.08) years for females. The prevalence rate of childhood adverse experiences was 66.22%. The risk of chronic disease in adults increased with the increase of the score indicating childhood adverse experiences (Z=-5.902 1, P<0.000 1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being physically abused (OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.41-2.64), substance abuse in family (OR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.16-6.80), being bullied (OR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.39-4.80) and parents separation/divorce (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.09-2.09) were significantly associated with risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of adverse childhood experiences was high in adults aged 18-59 years, which was significantly associated with the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Early prevention of chronic diseases should be conducted in childhood.