Adverse childhood experiences, traumatic events, and mental health among adults at two outpatient psychiatric facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional analysis.

ACEs and experiences of traumatic events as adults were associated with significantly increased risks of anxiety, depression, and severe stress. Given high exposure to ACEs and trauma and the associated impact on the mental health of individuals, families, and communities, there is a need to strengthen and scale innovative combination interventions that address multiple stressors impacting people in low-resource settings.