Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health Difficulties among Adolescents in Nepal

The present study aimed to study the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences, and mental health difficulties in adolescents. Purposively selected 269 participants (MA= 14.90, SD= 1.67), out of which 129 47.96%) were from Rolpa, a rural area and 140 (52.04%) were from Kathmandu, an urban area responded to Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACEs-IQ) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version-21). A high prevalence of ACEs and behavioral difficulties were found among the participants. Among the ACEs category, the prevalence of physical abuse (91.5%) and community violence (96.7%) were at a higher level. Similarly, conduct problems (18.9%) and peer problems (9.29%) were higher among SDQ components. Participants from Kathmandu reported significantly higher ACEs than participants from Rolpa. Participants from Rolpa had significantly higher total difficulties than participants from Kathmandu. Participants from Kathmandu reported significantly fewer mental health difficulties than participants from Rolpa even though they had significantly higher ACES. Keywords: ACEs, strengths, difficulties, behavioral problems, adolescents