Parents' adverse childhood experiences and mental health screening using home visiting programs: A pilot study

Background Adverse childhood experiences ( ACE s) are associated with adult high‐risk behaviors and diseases. There is value in screening parents for ACE s given the repercussions parental ACE s may have on parenting behaviors and child development. The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of parental ACE screening in the home setting. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether or not maternal ACE s correlated with maternal mental health measures. Methods Two home visiting programs that support early childhood development and conduct parental mental health screening implemented ACE screening for parents of infants <1 year of age. Descriptive statistics were produced for population surveillance of ACE s as well as standard practice screens for depression, anxiety, substance use, and intimate partner violence. Logistic models were used to examine associations between ACE score and mental health measures. Results A total of 110 parents completed the ACE screen. All possible ACE score outcomes were represented (0–10). A trend toward association of positive prenatal maternal depression screen with ACE score was identified ( p  = .05). Conclusion This novel prospective home‐based screening program for parental ACE s was feasible and identified a trend toward increasing ACE score association with positive prenatal maternal depression screen.