Medical X-Press – Staff Writer
“Children’s school performance and attitudes decline as their adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase, according to a study published online July 8 in Pediatrics. Angelica Robles, M.D., from Novant Health Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics in Charlotte, North Carolina, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2011 to 2012 National Survey of Children’s Health to examine the associations of ACEs and protective familial and community factors with school performance and attitudes in children. A total of 65,680 children ages 6 to 17 years were included in the study. Up to nine ACEs were identified in each child; ACE scores were categorized as zero, one, two, three, and at least four ACEs. Protective factors (PFs) included safe neighborhood, supportive neighbors, four neighborhood amenities, well-kept neighborhood, no household smoking, at least five family meals per week, and a parent who can talk to the child.” (more)