Childhood Trauma and Women’s Health Outcomes in a California Prison Population

Abstract

Objectives. We sought to describe the prevalence of childhood traumatic events among incarcerated women in substance abuse treatment and to assess the relation between cumulative childhood traumatic events and adult physical and mental health problems. Methods. The study was modeled after the Adverse Childhood Events study’s findings. In-depth baseline interview data for 500 women participating in the Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program evaluation were analyzed. Results. Hypotheses were supported, and regression results showed that the impact of childhood traumatic events on health outcomes is strong and cumulative (greater exposure to childhood traumatic events increased the likelihood of 12 of 18 health-related outcomes, ranging from a 15% increase in the odds of reporting fair/poor health to a 40% increase in the odds of mental health treatment in adulthood). Conclusions. Our findings suggest a need for early prevention and intervention, and appropriate trauma treatment, within correctional treatment settings.