A Social Ecological Approach to Understanding Nursing Interventions for Adverse Childhood Experiences

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a global public health issue and are strongly associated with life-long health issues including chronic disease. This paper will review the nursing interventions subsequent to the ACE Study in published literature and the public health nursing community efforts. A related purpose is to examine the nursing interventions identified at the individual, relationship, community and societal levels of the social ecological model. The population of special interest for the review of public health nursing interventions is children aged birth to middle school. Healthy People 2020 address adverse childhood experiences in four ways: Early and Middle Childhood, Maternal, Infant and Child Health, Injury and Violence Prevention, and Social Determinants of Health. ACEs often occur together, are a major determinant of health, and are prevalent in society. Nursing intervention efforts must include nursing education of students and professionals, collaboration among other healthcare providers and community members, support of strong parent child relationships, and formulation of public policy for prevention and amelioration of ACEs. Further research to evaluate the ongoing efforts of public health nurses will ensure funding to improve global health and wellbeing