BACKGROUND: Toxic stress caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been definitively linked to adverse health outcomes across lifespan. Prolonged COVID-19 pandemic stress affecting mental and physical health across the nation, has been postulated to amplify occurrence of ACEs and exacerbate negative health outcomes in this vulnerable population. This study provides a comparison of pre COVID (year 2019) and COVID (year 2020) data on ACE’s and health outcomes. METHODS: 2019 and 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were analyzed to estimate the prevalence of childhood adversity and association with health behaviors and outcomes. Logistic regression was performed using SAS complex survey procedures. RESULTS: In 2019, nearly one in four adults reported high ACE scores (≥3). High ACE scores were more prevalent among women, multiracial/minority race groups, bisexual, lesbian/gay sexually oriented, younger age group, adults, less educated, and with lower income. Comparison analyses with 2020 data has begun and is expected to be completed in time for conference presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing focus on ACEs mitigation and/or prevention efforts is critical to better health and higher socioeconomic attainment across lifespan. COVID-19 pandemic has escalated and put a spotlight on this call . Adults with preexisting ACEs are especially vulnerable. Compounded toxic stress with limited access to health care can expedite development or worsening of chronic conditions in these susceptible groups. KEY MESSAGES: Targeted efforts to identify and protect at-risk ACEs populations from the negative impact of COVID 19 pandemic are essential.
1177 Lest we lose focus: ongoing analyses of adverse childhood experiences in COVID-19 era