Sex differences in psychological distress, behavioural and emotional problems, and substance use in young people in out-of-home care

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine sex differences in self-reported psychological distress, behavioural and emotional problems, and substance use in young people living in out-of-home care (OoHC). One hundred seventy-six young people aged 12–17 years (females 53.4%) in OoHC in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, were interviewed. Participants completed self-report measures: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test—Youth Version. Girls had more OoHC placement instability over the past year compared with boys (p =.019). Compared with boys, the girls had significan..