Transgenerational Effects of Traumatic Historical Events on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome/ Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Romanian Population

Food insecurity among consumers from rural areas in Romania

Food security has a special relevance in nowadays economies, due to the current crisis, characterized by multiple layers on a social, political, economic, and individual biological level. The present study aims to identify relevant aspects of food insecurity for consumers in rural Romania and the main factors that significantly influence it (food availability, food access, and food consumption). The data were collected from a sample of 875 consumers from rural areas in Romania. The results show that food insecurity is perceived by the consumers of Romanian rural households as being strongly influenced by food availability, but less influenced by food consumption and access. The results have an essential relevance in the development of agri-food marketing strategies and public policies in the field of sustainable development.

Mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences, other traumas and PTSD influence the health and well-being of individuals with eating disorders throughout the life span

BACKGROUND

Multiple published sources from around the world have confirmed an association between an array of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other traumatic events with eating disorders (EDs) and related adverse outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

In keeping with this Special Issue's goals, this narrative review focuses on the ACEs pyramid and its purported mechanisms through which child maltreatment and other forms of violence toward human beings influence the health and well-being of individuals who develop EDs throughout the life span. Relevant literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highlighted when applicable.

RESULTS

At every level of the pyramid, it is shown that EDs interact with each of these proclaimed escalating mechanisms in a bidirectional manner that contributes to the predisposition, precipitation and perpetuation of EDs and related medical and psychiatric comorbidities, which then predispose to early death. The levels and their interactions that are discussed include the contribution of generational embodiment (genetics) and historical trauma (epigenetics), social conditions and local context, the ACEs and other traumas themselves, the resultant disrupted neurodevelopment, subsequent social, emotional and cognitive impairment, the adoption of health risk behaviors, and the development of disease, disability and social problems, all resulting in premature mortality by means of fatal complications and/or suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

The implications of these cascading, evolving, and intertwined perspectives have important implications for the assessment and treatment of EDs using trauma-informed care and trauma-focused integrated treatment approaches. This overview offers multiple opportunities at every level for the palliation and prevention of EDs and other associated trauma-related conditions, including PTSD.