Adverse childhood experiences: An exploratory study on children and adolescents in contexts of collective violence and drugs in México

Background

Over the past decade, the rise in collective violence in Mexico has significantly impacted children and adolescents (C&A). Government security and militarization policies have failed to provide adequate protection. Additionally, national survey data do not address the impact of this violence on institutionalized C&A.

Objective

This exploratory study analyzes the adverse experiences of C&A within the contexts of collective violence and drug use.

Participants and setting

The participants in this study were 57 C&A who were living temporarily in five private Social Assistance Centers (CAS by the Spanish acronym) under state guardianship, located in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, Mexico.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in safe spaces to obtain information about adverse childhood experiences, collective violence and substance use. Percentages were calculated for the occurrence of each indicator as well as cumulative adverse childhood experiences scores and comparative two-sample proportion tests.

Results

Participants reported an average of 5.71 (SD = 2.62) adverse childhood experiences. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found in 7 of the 10 comparisons made. Additionally, 45.6 % reported marijuana use in the past year, with half starting before age 11.

Conclusions

The institutionalized C&A who participated in the study present a profile of severe risk in terms of demographics, adverse experiences, and drug use.