Abuse and Neglect, Addiction, Author Interviews, CDC, JAMA, Pediatrics / 24.09.2018
Gender Nonconformity Strongly Associated With Substance Abuse Among Male Students
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Michelle M Johns, MPH, PhD
Health Scientist
Division of Adolescent and School Health
CDC
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Gender nonconformity is an under-researched area of adolescent health that is often linked to negative health outcomes. To address this gap, we analyzed Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to describe the associations between gender nonconformity and risk behaviors, including mental distress, and substance use.
Gender nonconformity was associated with feeling sad and hopeless, as well as suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors among female and male students. In addition, gender nonconformity was strongly associated with substance use among male students.
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