Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2023

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Epidemiology

First Committee Member

Patrick Maloney

Second Committee Member

Nicole Kolm Valdivia

Third Committee Member

Anthony Blake

Abstract

Objectives. This study explored the association of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). This study aimed to determine within the United States which ACEs have a stronger association with SCD after 45 years of age by analyzing all 13 ACEs individually with SCD.

Methods. Data were obtained from the 2022 BRFSS. An analytic sample of 42,509 adults over 45 years of age from seven states was analyzed using binary and multivariate logistic regression. The outcome variable investigated in this study was SCD, and the explanatory variables were 13 ACEs.

Results. Of the respondents, 10.4% reported experiencing SCD within the past year. The most common ACE experienced was verbal abuse (30.5%). Every ACE was found to be associated with SCD. However, physical and sexual abuse were the most strongly associated.

Conclusions. This study provides evidence that certain ACEs are more strongly associated with SCD than others. The findings indicate a need for interventions targeting the prevention or treatment of physical and sexual abuse ACEs. The conclusions are examined with implications for practice and further research.

Abstract:

Objectives. This study explored the association of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). This study aimed to determine within the United States which ACEs have a stronger association with SCD after 45 years of age by analyzing all 13 ACEs individually with SCD.

Methods. Data were obtained from the 2022 BRFSS. An analytic sample of 42,509 adults over 45 years of age from seven states was analyzed using binary and multivariate logistic regression. The outcome variable investigated in this study was SCD, and the explanatory variables were 13 ACEs.

Results. Of the respondents, 10.4% reported experiencing SCD within the past year. The most common ACE experienced was verbal abuse (30.5%). Every ACE was found to be associated with SCD. However, physical and sexual abuse were the most strongly associated.

Conclusions. This study provides evidence that certain ACEs are more strongly associated with SCD than others. The findings indicate a need for interventions targeting the prevention or treatment of physical and sexual abuse ACEs. The conclusions are examined with implications for practice and further research.

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