Purpose: Youth living in the urban slums in Uganda have many unmet needs. The purpose of the current study is to briefly examine the associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and alcohol use patterns, an understudied area among urban vulnerable youth, in order to provide guidance and insight for service provision for youth. Methods: The current data analysis is based on a cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2011 which consisted of a convenience sample of youth living in the slums (ages 14-24) attending a drop-in center, Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL). Descriptive statistics were computed. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine psychosocial correlates with being an orphan. Results: Factors associated with alcohol use varied by sex (p<.05) (alcohol use was more common among girls), age (p<.000), (alcohol use more common among youth 18 years of age and older) and alcohol use were also more common among youth who reported the following ACEs; parents hitting each other (p<.000) , parental use of alcohol (p<.000), being hungry (p<.000), having ever lived on the street (p<.000) and having been raped (p<.000). Conclusions: The prevalence of ACEs were high in this study population which is a great concern. Moreover ACEs were associated with earlier age of alcohol use initiation, frequent and heavy drinking underscoring the need for additional support for past childhood trauma as well as alcohol prevention efforts for these vulnerable youth.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Alcohol Use Consumption Patterns among Vulnerable Urban Youth in Uganda
