Long-Term Impact of Childhood Adversity on the Gut Microbiome of Nursing Students

Negin Kazemian, Tony Zhou, Naveen Chalasani, Apurva Narayan, Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent, Hector A. Olvera Alvarez and Sepideh Pakpour ()
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Negin Kazemian: School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Tony Zhou: Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Naveen Chalasani: Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Apurva Narayan: Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent: Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Hector A. Olvera Alvarez: School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Sepideh Pakpour: School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) encompass negative, stressful, and potentially traumatic events during childhood, impacting physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Limited studies suggest ACEs can have short-term effects on children’s gut microbiomes and adult cognitive performance under stress. Nevertheless, the long-term effects of ACEs experienced during adulthood remain unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to assess the long-term effects of ACEs on the gut microbiota of adult nursing students. We employed a multidimensional approach, combining 16S rRNA sequencing, bioinformatics tools, and machine learning to predict functional capabilities. High-ACE individuals had an increased abundance of Butyricimonas spp. and Prevotella spp. and decreased levels of Clostridiales, and Lachnospira spp. Prevotella abundance correlated negatively with L-glutamate and L-glutamine biosynthesis, potentially impacting intestinal tissue integrity. While nursing students with high ACE reported increased depression, evidence for a direct gut microbiota–depression relationship was inconclusive. High-ACE individuals also experienced a higher prevalence of diarrhea. These findings highlight the long-lasting impact of ACEs on the gut microbiota and its functions in adulthood, particularly among nursing students. Further research is warranted to develop targeted interventions and strategies for healthcare professionals, optimizing overall health outcomes.

Keywords: childhood adversity; depression in nursing students; stress in nursing students; sleep quality; gut microbiome (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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