Rural-urban differences in exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Michigan

This paper fills a current gap in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) research for the State of Michigan by statistically analyzing (via SPSS) publicly available telephone survey data derived from ACE-related survey questions in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are potentially traumatic events occurring before age 18, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. High exposure to ACE is associated with chronic health problems, effects on mental health, behavioral issues, and even developmental problems with the brain not maturing properly. Studies show that preventing ACE happens at the state and local community level; therefore, state-specific ACE findings are an important place to begin ACE prevention and healing. Research Questions Addressed in This Paper: Does living in a rural or urban part of Michigan, and identifying as male or female, affect Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores? Additionally, do income levels affect ACE scores for the study question above in Michigan?