Family And Childhood Adversity- A Quantitative Study Of Household Dysfunction Using ACE-IQ Data From Madhya Pradesh

Background:Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been recognized as significant predictors of long-term physical and mental health outcomes. Household dysfunction, including parental substance use, mental illness, domestic violence, and disrupted family structures, contributes heavily to the burden of ACEs. This study investigates the association between these household-level adversities and ACE prevalence among youth in Madhya Pradesh, India. To examine the prevalence of key ACE domains and assess their association with indicators of family dysfunction—specifically, parental substance use, mental illness, separation/divorce, and incarceration. Methods:A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 203 participants using the WHO ACE-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations between parental alcohol/drug use and specific ACE domains, including neglect, abuse, and domestic violence. Conclusion:Emotional neglect (51.2%) and physical neglect (46.3%) were the most frequently reported ACEs. Parental substance use was significantly associated with increased odds of sexual abuse (OR = 3.019, p = 0.046). Elevated, though non-significant, odds were also observed for emotional abuse (OR = 4.28) and exposure to violence (OR = 2.86). Household dysfunction plays a critical role in shaping childhood adversity. The strong association between parental substance use and sexual abuse, along with high rates of neglect, highlights the need for family-focused intervention strategies. Early identification, routine ACE screening, and integrated mental health support are essential to break intergenerational cycles of trauma.