Introduction and Objective: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to impact the health and well-being of those living with T1D. Less is known regarding how ACEs of a primary caregiver (parent, grandparent, etc.) may indirectly impact youth with chronic health conditions – potentially via influence on parenting practices. The current study investigates the relationship between caregiver ACEs, parenting practices, and health of youth with T1D.Methods: Youth (N=158) ages 12-17 years, with T1D for ≥1 year, and an HbA1c ≥ 10% in the past year were enrolled from 5 academic medical centers. Youth caregivers reported on parenting practices (Alabama Parenting Questionnaire) and their own ACEs (ex: experience of racial discrimination, parental death). Chart review collected HbA1c and ED visits 12 months prior to enrollment and ED visits 6 months following study enrollment. Chi square tests, bivariate correlations, and independent t-tests were conducted.Results: Youth mean age was 14.5+2 years with mean HbA1c of 11.1+2%. Less than 50% of youth were Non-Latinx white; 15.2% Latinx; 14.1% Black. Youth whose caregivers experienced specific ACEs were more likely to experience an ED visit than youth whose caregivers did not (parental divorce: 51.4% vs. 28.9%, p<.01; parental incarceration: 61.1% vs. 36.5%; p<.05; racial discrimination: 60.9% vs. 35.6%; p<.05). Youth of caregivers who experienced racial discrimination had more ED visits (M=1.4+1.4) than youth of caregivers who did not (M=0.7+1.6; p<.05). Caregiver experience of racial discrimination correlated with lower positive parenting (r=-.18) and poorer supervision (r=.17; p<.05).Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that ACEs in caregivers raising youth with T1D are associated with parenting practices and youth health. Given prior associations between parenting practices and T1D outcomes, and these findings regarding caregiver ACEs, healthcare systems should consider caregiver experiences and functioning as prime areas for potential screening and intervention.
K.A. McMullen: None. K.A. Torres: None. J. Raymond: None. M.A. Clements: Consultant; Glooko, Inc. Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Abbott. D. Naranjo: Consultant; Sanofi. J.C. Wong: Research Support; Abbott, Dexcom, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. A. Reed: None. S.R. Melnick: None. M.A. Harris: None. D.V. Wagner: None.
JDRF
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