Citation

Asante KO. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2015; 17(5): 278-292.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015)

DOI

10.1080/14623730.2015.1088739

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study describes the findings from quantitative examination of age and gender differences in psychological problems and health risk behaviour among 227 homeless youth. The findings indicated significant variations on health risk behaviours by gender. As compared to males, females were more likely to engage in survival sex, been victims of violence-rated sex, and more likely to have made a plan to commit suicide. While alcohol use decrease with age, marijuana use and having multiple sexual partners, on the other hand, increases with age. Approximately 87% of the participant's exhibit moderate-to-severe psychological problems, with males having significantly higher scores on the overall psychological well-being, emotional and hyperactivity problems than females. Age-group differences were also observed on overall psychological well-being, emotional problems, conduct problems and hyperactivity. These findings from the study are discussed with reference to previous research and implications for interventions are provided. © 2015 The Clifford Beers Foundation.

Language: en

Keywords

Mental health; Gender differences; Age differences; Health risk behaviours; Street children and adolescents