Abstract
BACKGROUND: Though the importance of childhood experiences in adult health is increasingly being recognized, the relationship between positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and cardiovascular risk factors remains understudied in low and middle-income countries, including India. This study explored the association of PCE exposure with obesity and hypertension among young adults in Delhi-NCR, India, independently and across different adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 1453 young adults (70.1 % female) recruited from two universities in Delhi-NCR. PCEs were measured using the Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale, and ACEs were assessed with the ACE-International Questionnaire. Obesity and hypertension were measured using standard protocols. RESULTS: Participants with moderate (6-9) and high (10) PCE exposure showed significantly lower prevalence rates of overweight/obesity (40 % and 41 %, respectively, vs. 57.5 %) and high waist circumference (WC) compared to low (0-5) PCE exposure group (22.9 % and 25.6 %, respectively, vs. 37.7 %). Adjusted logistic regression revealed reduced odds of overweight/obesity and high WC with higher PCE exposure. Specific PCE items, such as self-liking and predictable home routines, were associated with lower obesity risks. No significant association was found between PCE exposure and hypertension. Additionally, a combined analysis of ACE and PCE levels revealed that higher PCEs can mitigate some adverse effects of ACEs on obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Higher PCE exposure may be associated with lower obesity risks and improved anthropometric measures among young adults. Promoting PCEs may help reduce obesity, especially in high-adversity contexts. Interventions enhancing early self-esteem could be crucial in addressing obesity in this population.