Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among adolescents aged 10-14: navigating the complexity of sexual and reproductive health

• Grant number: 23/07962-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health
• Principal Investigator: Cristiane da Silva Cabral
• Grantee: Nicolas Kimura Generoso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Adolescents aged 10 and 14 are in a critical and poorly understood stage of human development. This phase is characterized by various physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. Choices made during this period can have a significant impact on their trajectory, shaping possibilities and limitations in adulthood. Similarly, they are particularly vulnerable to external influences, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which may be related to the learning and internalization of social norms through various channels such as family, school, peer groups, and media, and which can affect their sexual and reproductive health. This project aims to investigate the relationships between ACEs and the learning, internalization, reproduction, and perception of gender norms in very young adolescents, with a focus on their possible associations with outcomes in sexual and reproductive health and mental health issues in this group. The statistical analysis will be based on empirical data obtained during the first stage of the GEAS study in Brazil (baseline) (FAPESP - process no. 2017/23177-4), providing a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.