Compiling data sources of ACEs statistics is critical to identify gaps in ACEs research in the US and Georgia. There is a lack of consistent data on ACE statistics. Resilient Georgia is an Atlanta-based organization that works towards creating an integrated behavioral health system by streamlining public and private efforts and resources to enhance trauma informed care through research, policy, and practice in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA), College of Public Health Ph.D. student Kiran Thapa under the direct supervision of Drs. Janani Thapa and Emily Anne Vall assimilated available data sources and summarized quality dimensions from the most current datasets or surveys that collect information on ACEs. This data collection will allow organizations committed to eradicate ACEs to identify available data on ACE, gaps in ACE data in the US and Georgia and aid the organization in the development of performance metrics for the organization to monitor over time.
The data collection analyzed 8 different surveys, including BRFSS, NSCH, NCANDS, PRAMS, YRBSS, and GSHS. By analyzing different surveys at both the national and state level the inconsistencies can be easily visualized. The ACEs information richness figure, for instance, highlights the overlap of questions between each survey’s ACEs items. It can help identify additional questions to include in different surveys and find ways to make ACE data collection more comprehensive and consistent. Different states have collected ACE data in different periods which has limited comparison across states and draw strong conclusions about ACEs. The compilation of data allows gaps in ACE research to be identified at the State and National levels.
Dr. Thapa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at UGA’s College of Public Health. She also serves as the Director of the Economic Evaluation Research Group in the department. Dr. Vall is the Executive Director of Resilient GA.
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