Growing Pains: Assessing Childhood Adversity in Mozambique
Special Study Report – USAID | MSI / Tetra Tech
This special study investigates the prevalence, types, and effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among young people aged 18–24 in Mozambique. The report explores how childhood adversity impacts health, education, risk behaviors, and coping mechanisms, providing critical evidence to inform child protection and youth programming.
Short abstract:
The study provides evidence on how adverse childhood experiences shape risk behavior, mental health, social relationships, and long-term wellbeing among young adults in Mozambique. It highlights the correlation between early adversity and outcomes such as IPV, substance use, school dropout, and HIV risk.
Report Structure: (Background; Study Questions; Justification; Methodology; Results; Life Stories; Discussion; Recommendations; and Annexes).
Key Recommendations:
- Address Childhood Adversity and the Lack of Protection of Children
- Include Trauma-Sensitive Components Into Existing Projects
- Rethink Gender Programming