The effects of adverse and positive experiences on cardiovascular health in Australian children.

Limited evidence suggests that positive experiences in childhood may promote cardiovascular health, providing additional opportunities for prevention and early intervention. This study aimed to examine the effects of adverse and positive experiences on cardiovascular health in late childhood. Data sources: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 1874). Exposures: Adverse and positive experiences assessed repeatedly (age 0–11 years). Outcomes: Cardiovascular health (high versus low or moderate) quantified by four health behaviors (diet, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and sleep) and four health factors (body mass index, non-high-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, and blood glucose) (age 11–12 years) as per the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metrics. Analyses: Separate generalized linear models with log-Poisson links were used to estimate the effects of adverse and positive experiences on cardiovascular health, adjusting for confounders. Children exposed to multiple adverse experiences (≥ 2) were less likely to have high cardiovascular health (RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.02) than those not exposed. Children exposed to multiple positive experiences (≥ 2) were more likely to have high cardiovascular health (RR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.94 to 1.38) than those not exposed. Stratified analyses suggested that exposure to multiple positive experiences might buffer the detrimental effects of multiple adverse experiences on cardiovascular health. Both adverse and positive experiences were found to be modestly associated with cardiovascular health in Australian children. Future research and practice should not only consider addressing childhood adversity but also use a strengths-based approach to promoting positive experiences to improve cardiovascular health. • Adverse experiences have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health in children. • Children exposed to positive experiences have better cardiovascular health. • Positive experiences may buffer the detrimental effect of adverse experiences. • Promoting positive experiences is needed to improve cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]