Adverse childhood experiences, military adversities, and adult health outcomes among female Veterans in the UK

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are well-documented risk factors for poor outcomes in adulthood, including worse physical and mental health. A higher prevalence of ACEs has been reported in military populations compared with the general population. Although there is a body of literature exploring childhood adversities in military populations, research focusing on the female Veteran population in the United Kingdom is limited. Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional, self-report survey. The survey was completed by female army Veterans recruited via a female military association. The response rate was approximately 45%, and the effective sample for this study consisted of 750 female UK army Veterans. Participant histories of ACEs, military adversities, and current mental and physical health difficulties were assessed. Results: A sizable percentage (55%) of participants reported experiencing one or more childhood adversities. The most frequently reported ACEs were emotional abuse, physical abuse, and feeling unloved by family. Experiencing childhood adversities was most strongly associated with mental health difficulties such as posttraumatic stress disorder and military adversities such as emotional bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault during military service. Discussion: This study provides insight into the prevalence rates of ACEs in a largely under-researched population and into the relationship between military adversities and adult health outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand the unique needs of female Veterans in the United Kingdom and how they compare with those of their male counterparts and women in the UK general population. LAY SUMMARY Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are highly stressful events or situations that occur in childhood and adolescence. Childhood adversities can lead to several negative outcomes in adulthood, including poor physical and mental health. Military populations often report a high number of childhood adversities. Research on ACEs that focuses specifically on female Veterans is lacking. The current study explored the relationships among ACEs, military adversities, and adult health outcomes in female army Veterans in the United Kingdom. In total, 750 female army Veterans completed an online survey containing questions about childhood experiences and military adversities, as well as physical and mental health in adulthood. A large percentage of female army Veterans reported at least one ACE, including emotional and physical abuse. Experience of childhood adversities was most strongly linked to experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in adulthood and experiences of emotional bullying, sexual harassment, and assault during military service.