Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jul 9, 2020
Open Peer Review Period: Jul 9, 2020 - Jul 23, 2020
Date Accepted: Nov 10, 2020
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Identifying targets for substance use prevention for young people exposed to childhood adversity: Protocol for a systematic review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are prevalent, robust risk factors for the development of substance use and disorder. However, less is known about the causal mechanisms that explain these relationships. While directly preventing ACEs is ideal, it is not always possible; in such cases, the mechanisms themselves may be amenable to intervention, allowing for the effective prevention of problematic substance use among children exposed to adversity. Identifying such mechanisms is therefore a critical step for efforts aiming to reduce the significant individual and societal burden associated with substance use globally.
Objective:
The present study thus aims to systematically identify and synthesise evidence on the modifiable mediators and moderators of the relationship between ACEs and substance use outcomes in youth. Specifically, through a systematic review of the literature, this study aims to determine what modifiable factors mediate and/or moderate the relationship between childhood adversity and substance use outcomes in young people (aged 10 -24).
Methods:
A systematic review will be conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL databases, to determine modifiable mediators and moderators of the relationship between ACEs and substance use in young people. Data from the review will be qualitatively synthesised, unless data is sufficiently homogenous to warrant quantitative review. Mediators/moderators will be grouped according to a socio-ecological perspective, using the four levels of individual, interpersonal, community and public policy/culture.
Results:
Electronic searches were completed in August 2019. A total of 4004 studies were included for screening, after removing duplicates. After evaluating titles and abstracts against eligibility criteria, a further 3590 studies were excluded, leaving 414 studies for full-text screening. Results of the review are expected to be published by November 2020.
Conclusions:
The mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences and substance use in young people are vital targets for substance use prevention efforts. This review will provide evidence to inform development of prevention strategies, to interrupt the negative life trajectory that can begin with childhood adversity.
Citation
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Copyright
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