Screening for adverse childhood experiences among young people using drugs in Vietnam: related factors and clinical implications.

This article focuses on the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among young people using drugs (YPUD) aged 16–24 in three major cities in Vietnam. Using the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), the study found that 85.5% of participants reported at least one ACE, with 27.5% experiencing four or more, and that higher ACE scores were significantly associated with female and transgender gender, lower education, methamphetamine use, buying sex, depression, psychotic symptoms, and expressed need for mental health support. Methamphetamine was the most commonly used drug in this population, and mental health issues were prevalent. The study recommends comprehensive care for YPUD that addresses both addiction and mental health needs related to ACEs, alongside prevention efforts targeting childhood trauma.