Adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviours by gender among Tunisian adolescents

Abstract Background Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have become an alarming phenomenon exposing individuals at a great risk of developing mental health issues. To date, there remains lack adequate researches on ACEs especially among adolescents. This survey aimed to describe the prevalence childhood adversities and determine their role in risky behaviours amongst Tunisian youth. Methods We conducted cross sectional study schooled adolescents governorate Mahdia (Tunisia) from January February 2020. Exposure violence was assessed using validated Arabic version WHO ACE questionnaire. The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HAD) were used as screening tool for internet addiction, anxiety depression. Results A total 1940 recruited. majority them (97.5%) reported experiencing least one ACE. Emotional neglect (83.2%) witnessing community (73.5%) most categories. According gender, males had higher rates exposure physical abuse social than females. common behaviour addiction (50%) followed by substance use (16.6%). After adjustment depression, dose-response association between well established. Conclusions These results youth both public societal implications. Key messages adverse experiences behaviors are Screening addictive with history is needed.