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Published:
Mar 31, 2026DOI:
10.4314/rjmhs.v9i1.4Keywords:
Article Details
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Main Article Content
Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences : A Cross-Sectional Study among Inpatients at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital in Rwanda
Abstract
Background
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are the potentially traumatic events that occurred during childhood. Understanding their magnitude and the way exposure to one type triggers other types of ACEs could lead to more focused psychiatric interventions.
Objective
To determine the prevalence of ACEs and explore the associations between household challenges and child maltreatment among inpatients with mental disorders.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used from August to September 2019 at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. We informed 176 adult inpatients, 159 consented to have their eligibility examined, and 122 were eligible and then interviewed using the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21.
Results
Most of the participants (57%) were men, 61% were in the 20–35 age range, and 67% had attended primary school. Almost everyone (98%) reported at least one ACE. Having separated/divorced or deceased parents was the most common ACE (65%). Child maltreatment was associated with household challenges.
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of ACEs among psychiatric inpatients. Therefore, the burden associated with the high prevalence of ACEs could be alleviated through interventions targeting ACE preventions.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2026;9(1):49-61
