Table 5 Similarity and differences in physical and mental status among the two categories of adolescents in institutional care in Nigeria

Anthropometric profile

Mean weight (Kg)

49.77 ± 5.41

34.93 ± 8.63

--------

6.3*

0.01

Mean height (Metres)

1.52 ± 0.21

1.43 ± 0.11

-------

1.6*

0.04

Mean body mass index (Kg/m²)

16.34 ± 0.33

15.85 ± 1.71

--------

7.7*

0.03

Neurological Profile

Handedness (Right Vs. Left)

150 (95)

43 (93)#

1.7 (0.2 - 4.21)

0.3

0.88

Neurological deficits

1 (0.6)

12 (23)

0.03 (0.01- 0.09)

----

0.01**

Epilepsy

0 (0.0)

13 (25)

0.02 (0.01- 0.07)

-----

0.003**

Common Mental Health Problems

Disruptive behaviour disorders

100 (63)

18 (39)#

2.6 (1.3 – 5.3)

10.8

0.003

Alcohol & substance abuse

96 (61)

5 (11)#

16.2 (5.6- 47.6)

23.8

<0.001

Multiple traumatic events+

43 (27.2)

12 (26) #

1.2 (0.8 – 1.9)

1.22

0. 43

Posttraumatic stress disorder

20 (13)

10 (22)#

0.52 (0.22- 1.29)

2.34

0.12