Adverse childhood experiences among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents in Australia: Role of a family with strong kinship and economic well-being.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence, patterns, and protective factors that mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia.

STUDY

DESIGN

The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) is a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

The study included 556 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3.5 to 16 yrs from the LSIC. Parents/carers reported eight ACE types, including bullying, caregiver mental health issues, substance misuse, incarceration, separation, domestic violence, family death, and racism. ACEs prevalence and patterns were examined; logistic regression identified associated factors.

RESULTS

Approximately 41 % (95 %CI: 37.0-45.2) of children experienced ≥4 ACEs, with bullying (67.4 %) most common and family death (20.5 %) least common. As children grew older, they experienced more ACEs, including bullying, racism and caregiver anxiety/depression. The odds of experiencing four or more ACEs were significantly lower among children with strong family connections (AOR: 0.4, 95 % CI: 0.3, 0.7) and financial stability (AOR: 0.3, 95 % CI: 0.2, 0.4). Strong family connections significantly lowered the odds of incarceration, caregiver separation, and caregiver anxiety/depression. Financial stability reduced the odds of substance abuse, household incarceration, racism, school bullying, domestic violence, and caregiver anxiety/depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experienced an elevated prevalence of ACEs compared to the overall Australian children. Strong family bonds and financial stability can help mitigate ACEs, suggesting that interventions aimed at enhancing these factors are essential.