August 7, 2025

Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Mental Health and Satisfaction With Life in First-Year College Students: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study in Vietnam

HTHa Hoang TrinhVietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City TNTrung Thanh NguyenVietnam National University, Hanoi TNTam Quang NguyenVietnam National University, Hanoi

Key Points

54.4% of first-year college students reported experiencing depressive symptoms based on a cross-sectional study.
50% of participants experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, affecting their mental health negatively.
Multivariate regression analysis showed a strong correlation between adverse childhood experiences and depression levels.
Findings highlight the necessity for screening and community programs to address ACEs and improve mental health.

Abstract

Objective Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent a major public health concern, exerting profound and lasting effects on physical and mental health. However, the burden and specific impacts of ACEs among university students—a population undergoing significant developmental transitions—remain limited. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the prevalence of ACEs and their associations with mental health outcomes and life satisfaction among first-year university students in Vietnam.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,391 first-year college students in six universities/faculties in Vietnam from August 2021 to August 2022. A questionnaire comprising four components was utilized to collect information from participants. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to identify factors associated with the levels of depression and life satisfaction among participants.Results Among 1,391 participants, 54.4% reported experiencing depressive symptoms. Regarding the number of ACEs, 50% of the participants reported that they experienced at least one ACE, and there were 34.8% encountering multiple ACEs (defined as two or more). The study also highlighted the statistical differences in the number of ACEs between depressed individuals and those who did not (p<0.001). The findings revealed a strong correlation between ACEs and the increase in depression levels and poor life satisfaction.Conclusion This study highlighted the relatively high prevalence of ACEs and their negative impacts on mental health status and life satisfaction. The results suggest that important strategies such as screening for ACEs and mental health conditions, implementation of community-based programs, and promotion of resilience-focused interventions can play a critical role in mitigating the impact of ACEs, ultimately contributing to healthier individuals and societies.

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