Racial/ethnic and sexual orientation disparities in adverse childhood experiences, marijuana use and subjective cognitive decline: A mediational approach

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to be positively associated with substance use and abuse, also linked subjective cognitive decline (SCD). However, studies examining potential pathways between ACEs SCD are lacking. In addition, this relationship related may differ by race/ethnicity sexual orientation. The aim of study was determine the mediational role marijuana in association SCD. secondary disparities Method Data were obtained from 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 14,248). Path analysis used mediating Overall analyses adjusted for gender, age, income, education, employment race/ethnicity. Stratified path orientation conducted. Result Overall, there a direct (B 0.102, p <0.001), 0.119, p<0.001); 0.047, p<0.001). There an indirect where mediated 0.005, found that among White 0.003, p<0.001), but not Black, Other or Hispanic respondents. heterosexual 0.002, 0.006) LGBT Conclusion Disparities race existed pathway Intervention programs addressing early trauma function should consider these disparities. Future research examine additional SCD, especially racial/ethnic minority populations.