title: How knowledge of adverse childhood experiences can help pediatricians prevent mental health problems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the perspectives of low-income, minority primary caregivers to inform the design of pediatric interventions to prevent mental health problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a follow-up study of female primary caretakers of children ages 4-5 years old in an urban northeastern pediatric practice, including 5 mothers of children with low Child Adverse Childhood Experiences (C-ACE) scores and 13 mothers of children with high C-ACE scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participation in early speech therapy, preschool programs, or mental health treatment was less likely for children with high C-ACE scores. Mothers of children with behavior problems expressed the most interest in developmental behavioral evaluations, parenting interventions, and mental health treatment. Information about nutrition and exercise options was of interest to mothers from low and high C-ACE groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that screening for C-ACE along with developmental and behavioral screening may help pediatric health care providers to identify children who are both at greatest risk for mental health problems and in need of help in accessing services. Incorporation of nutrition and exercise components into mental health interventions may increase enrollment and retention, as may targeting mental health interventions and referrals to parents with child behavior concerns. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: Preventive Medicine Department, Loma Linda University.
authors.forename: Ariane
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5868-9117
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marie-Mitchell
authors.affiliation: Preventive Medicine Department, Loma Linda University.
authors.forename: Karen R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Studer
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Department, University of Rochester.
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000639:trends; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D000072143:Pediatricians / Q000592:standards*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation