Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Batool Fatima

Second Advisor

Mr.Iqbal Azam

Third Advisor

Dr. Amna Rehana Siddiqui

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences have lasting impacts on mental health, especially on depression and suicidal ideation. However, research on ACEs among adolescents in Pakistan remains limited. This study examines the association between ACEs and mental health outcomes among school-going adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 528 adolescents aged 13–18 from secondary schools in Liaquatabad, Karachi, recruited through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires: ACE-IQ to assess childhood adversity, PHQ-9 for depressive symptoms, and the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSSI). Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and ordinal logistic regression was used to compare mental health outcomes based on ACE exposure.
Results: Adolescents with four or more ACEs were significantly more likely to develop severe depressive symptoms (OR = 108.31; 95% CI: 26.54–441.96) and suicidal ideation (OR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.30–6.28) compared to those with fewer or no ACEs. Gender differences were observed, with females having higher odds of experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR = 11.97; 95% CI: 5.66–25.28). Interaction effects revealed that larger households increased the risk of depression for males but had a protective effect for females.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a strong link between ACEs and poor mental health in adolescents, emphasizing the need for early intervention and mental health support in schools. Targeted interventions addressing childhood adversity are essential to reduce depression and suicidal ideation among adolescents. Longitudinal studies are recommended to further explore the long-term effects of ACEs on overall well-being.

First Page

1

Last Page

82

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