Adverse childhood experiences: An exploratory study on children and adolescents in contexts of collective violence and drugs in México

Over the past decade, the rise in collective violence in Mexico has significantly impacted children and adolescents (C&A). Government security and militarization policies have failed to provide adequate protection. Additionally, national survey data do not address the impact of this violence on institutionalized C&A. This exploratory study analyzes the adverse experiences of C&A within the contexts of collective violence and drug use. The participants in this study were 57 C&A who were living temporarily in five private Social Assistance Centers (CAS by the Spanish acronym) under state guardianship, located in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, Mexico. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in safe spaces to obtain information about adverse childhood experiences, collective violence and substance use. Percentages were calculated for the occurrence of each indicator as well as cumulative adverse childhood experiences scores and comparative two-sample proportion tests. Participants reported an average of 5.71 (SD = 2.62) adverse childhood experiences. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found in 7 of the 10 comparisons made. Additionally, 45.6 % reported marijuana use in the past year, with half starting before age 11. The institutionalized C&A who participated in the study present a profile of severe risk in terms of demographics, adverse experiences, and drug use. • Most children and adolescents experienced four or more adversities in childhood. • Participants live in violent environments, with kidnappings and disappearances. • Almost half describe their communities as zones of conflict between rival groups. • Half of them know people, including peers, who regularly use drugs. • More than half of their caregivers use drugs, and slightly less than half have mental health issues and have attempted suicide.