Prevalence and socio cultural determinants of childhood adversity in India and its implications for health outcomes

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognized as a major public health concern due to their long-term impact on health. While global evidence has established strong associations between ACEs and adverse outcomes, research in India remains limited and fragmented. This scoping review aimed to map the prevalence of ACEs in India, identify sociocultural and demographic factors associated with ACEs, and examine their relationship with health outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines and Arksey & O’Malley’s scoping review framework, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2016 and 2026. A total of 52 articles were identified, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach to identify key themes. The reviewed studies revealed a high prevalence of ACEs across diverse regions and populations in India. Sociocultural and demographic factors were found to increase ACE risk. Boys reported higher physical abuse, violent behavior and substance use, while girls reported more neglect and suicidal thoughts. ACEs were consistently associated with poor developmental, mental, physical and behavioral health outcomes. Moreover, the protective factors were found to moderate the negative impact of ACEs. ACEs are highly prevalent in India and strongly associated with adverse health outcomes, shaped by sociocultural and demographic contexts. There is a need to address research gaps and provide recommendations for public health strategies to reduce childhood adversities in India.