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Contribution title Challenges in Social -emotional competence and behaviour in young children experiencing early adversities
Contribution code D1.111
Authors
  1. Ellen Ghim Hoon Tay KK Women's and Children's Hospital Presenter
  2. Pratibha Keshav Agarwal KK Women's and Children's Hospital
  3. Lourdes Mary Daniel KK Women's and Children's Hospital
  4. Padmini Yeleswarapu KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T30 - Policy / advocacy
Abstract Aim
Social-emotional competence (SEC) and behaviour can be negatively impacted by exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with resultant life-long implications. The current study aims to investigate the effects of ACEs on SEC and behavior and compare these findings with a low-risk population from Singapore’s Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) birth cohort study

Methods

Data was obtained from Anchor, a home-visitation programme for children under 4 years of age exposed to ACEs, and from GUSTO. SEC and behaviour data from 108 children in Anchor (18 – 36 months) were compared with 336 GUSTO children (24 months) using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Demographic risk factors including ethnicity, low socio-economic status (SES-household monthly incomes < SGD 2000), gender and maternal education were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 29.

Results/conclusion
In Anchor, ethnic minority (61% vs 46%, p < 0.01) and lower SES (78% vs 18%), p < 0.0001) were significantly higher compared to GUSTO while gender and maternal education were comparable. Overall Anchor children had higher clinically significant scores on CBCL compared to GUSTO [35/108 (33%) vs 70/336 (21%), p < 0.01]. Higher concerns were noted in the somatic complaints, ** withdrawn behaviour, * aggression*** and DSM-IV symptoms of ADHD, *** ODD* on CBCL in Anchor compared to GUSTO children.
*P < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001

Conclusion
This study highlights the impact of ACEs on early SEC and behaviour, highlighting the need for early identification and timely support to optimize long-term outcomes.