Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use in Nursing Students

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a public health problem, and exposure to ACEs can lead to negative health consequences, including substance use. Little is known about ACEs and substance use in the nursing student population. The purpose of the current study was to describe the types of ACEs encountered by nursing students and the rate at which they occur; and examine associations between individual ACEs and alcohol and drug use. This study uses a cross-sectional, descriptive design. Measurements were used to assess and quantify ACEs and alcohol and drug use. There were small to medium associations between alcohol use and ACE items, and more modest associations found between drug use and ACE items (p < 0.001). Findings highlight the need for a trauma-informed approach to nursing education.