Parental Childhood Trauma Linked to Increased Emergency Visits in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

New study reveals that parents of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience higher levels of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and reduced resilience, correlating with increased emergency visits for their children. The research highlights that ACEs, which disproportionately impact African American communities and are linked to poorer health outcomes, can influence both parental well-being and child development, especially in the context of chronic conditions like SCD. Conducted at Arkansas Children’s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023, the study evaluated 79 caregivers—primarily mothers—using standardized assessments for ACEs, resilience, and neighborhood deprivation. Findings indicated that parents with high ACE scores and lower resilience levels had children who visited the emergency department more frequently. Interestingly, neighborhood deprivation did not show a significant association with emergency visits. The authors emphasize the importance of screening caregivers for ACEs to facilitate trauma-informed care strategies. Addressing parental trauma could improve health management and reduce healthcare utilization among children with SCD. Reference: Wil...