Kintan Ayu Utami, Theresia Indira Shanti
Risky behaviors related to HIV/AIDS among young adults remain a pressing public health issue in Indonesia. Previous studies have shown that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) have long-term effects on emotion regulation, impulsivity, and decision-making, which may trigger risky behaviors such as unprotected sexual activity or the use of non-sterile injecting equipment. This phenomenon is particularly critical given that most participants in this study reported high ACE scores, especially in the domains of violence, rejection, and household dysfunction. The novelty of this study lies in its specific mapping of ACE among young adults who have engaged in HIV/AIDS-related risky behaviors, differing from prior studies that predominantly focused on the general impact of ACE. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive approach with 163 young adult participants, this study provides a more focused understanding of ACE and the patterns of risky behaviors that emerge. These findings are expected to serve as a foundation for developing more effective prevention strategies and psychological interventions for high-risk young adult populations.