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)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Identifying modifiable mechanisms in the pathway from childhood adversity to substance use in young people: 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). Method: 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. Conclusion: 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.
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Copyright
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