Adverse Childhood Experiences Across Birth Generation and LGBTQ<b>+</b> Identity, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2019.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To identify and describe differences in exposure to adverse childhood events (ACEs) by birth generation and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer plus (LGBTQ+) identity. <b>Methods.</b> Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we examined the odds of experiencing 4 or more ACEs for Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z relative to baby boomers (n = 56 262). We also explored differences between generations based on LGBTQ+ identity. <b>Results.</b> The odds of experiencing 4 or more ACEs were higher for Generation X (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52, 1.83), millennials (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.92, 2.35), and Generation Z (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.79, 2.52) than for baby boomers. This disparity was amplified by LGBTQ+ identity (<i>P</i> = .016). The frequency of individual ACEs also varied by generation. <b>Conclusions.</b> Exposure to 4 or more ACEs has increased for each generation since the baby boomers, and more so for the LGBTQ+ population. The ACEs experienced differ by generation. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Increasing ACE scores suggest that younger generations may have an increased risk of ACE-related health problems. Policies are needed to prevent ACE exposure and address the potential fallout from the ACEs that have seen the largest increases. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2022;112(4):662-670. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306642).