Research Information System
MEDICINE, vol.104, no.28, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
We aimed to evaluate the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the health behaviors of medical students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January to March 2022 at a well-established medical faculty. A survey including sociodemographics, ACEs, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP)-II scale was completed online. Convenience sampling method was used, and the data of 307 students were analyzed. Fifty-four percent of the students reported having at least 1 ACE, and 9.8% of them had >= 4 ACEs among the 9 types of adverse experiences. We also found that the occurrence of 1 type of ACE increased the likelihood of having different categories. The rates of mental illness, smoking, and alcohol use were greater for students who experienced more childhood adversity. Students with ACEs scored lower on the HPLP-II scale and its subscales, except for physical activity. To evaluate the factors that increase the probability of receiving a low HPLP-II score, students were ranked according to the scale scores of the sample. Students in the lowest quartile were considered the low-scoring group for each score. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, ACEs were associated with low HPLP-II score, low health responsibility score, low interpersonal relationship score, and low stress management score. Our study showed that ACEs may also be common in groups with higher education levels. Screening in terms of childhood adversities should be implemented in every part of society. Appropriate interventions are important for preventing their harmful effects on health and for the well-being of community.