HIRRI, with funding and technical support from Charles Sturt University and community engagement support from the Danish Red Cross in Nepal, is conducting a national survey on adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes among adolescents and emerging adults aged 15–29 years. Data collection has been completed in Madhesh and Sudurpaschim provinces, and the team is currently conducting sampling and data collection in Bagmati Province. This project is led by Dr. Subash Thapa (Senior Research Fellow, Charles Sturt University).
Preliminary results reveal that 64% of children have experienced at least one ACE before turning 18, and about 1 in 10 have faced four or more forms of adversity. The study also highlights alarmingly high rates of exposure to household substance abuse and physical neglect.
Mental health challenges are significantly more prevalent among girls. Additionally, the cumulative effect of ACEs is clear: the more adversities a child experiences, the higher their risk for mental health issues.
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is key to promoting mental well-being and building resilient communities. Below are trusted resources to help you learn more about ACEs, how they impact mental health, and where to find guidance and support.
Topic: ACEs and toxic stress
This resource answers frequently asked questions about how early adversity affects brain development and long-term health. It offers science-based insights for caregivers, educators, and community members seeking to understand toxic stress and its consequences.
Topic: Practical tools for support and prevention
Though designed for professionals, this toolkit also includes accessible resources for families and communities. It covers how to talk about ACEs, reduce stigma, and create supportive environments for children and young people affected by adversity.
Topic: Screening, healing, and resilience
ACEs Aware is a public health initiative that provides education on ACEs, trauma-informed care, and resilience-building strategies. The site includes webinars, fact sheets, and self-care tools useful for individuals, families, and communities.
Topic: ACEs in low- and middle-income countries
ISPCAN’s journal club session explores the epidemiology, risk factors, and long-term impacts of ACEs specifically in low- and middle-income countries. This resource is valuable for anyone interested in how global contexts shape children’s exposure to adversity and how different systems respond.
Topic: Data and solutions to end violence against children
VACS, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gathers and shares country-specific data on childhood violence and abuse. It supports evidence-based policy and program development to prevent ACEs and protect children worldwide. This resource is ideal for understanding the scale and nature of violence against children globally.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening Questionnaire – (English & Nepali)
Suggested citation:
Thapa, S., Giri, S., Bhattarai, S., & Chalise, B. (2024). Adapted Nepali version of the WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire: Based on World Health Organization Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Geneva: WHO; 2018. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/T8PNV
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Depression Screening Questionnaire – (English & Nepali)
Suggested citation:
Giri, S., Thapa, S., Bhattarai, S., & Chalise, B. (2024). Adapted Nepali version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): Based on the original PHQ-9 depression screening tool. Developed by Kroenke and Spitzer, 2002. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/T8PNV
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Anxiety Screening Questionnaire – (English & Nepali)
Suggested citation:
Giri, S., Thapa, S., Bhattarai, S., & Chalise, B. (2024). Adapted Nepali version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7): Based on the original GAD-7 depression screening tool. Developed by Spitzer et al, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/T8PNV
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Screening Questionnaire – (English & Nepali)
Suggested citation:
Thapa, S., Giri, S., Bhattarai, S., & Chalise, B. (2024). Adapted Nepali version of the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) Screening Questionnaire: Based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Association, A.P., Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) DSM-V. 2013. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/T8PNV
