Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factors among Inmates

  • Simran Mahato National Open College, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Nishchal Devkota National Open College
  • Birat Raj Kafle National Open College, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Matrika Singh Aannapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences
  • Harsha Raj Dahal Nepal Public Health Association
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v21i02.4617

Abstract

Background: Depression can cause suicidal attempts among prisoners and it is intimidating to speculate the deteriorating mental status of them. Since, there is very limited research on the depression of prisoners in Nepal and as prisoners have rights to health care without any discrimination, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among inmates.
Methods: An institute-based cross-sectional study was employed on 352 inmates selected by a systematic random sampling method from July 15 to August 15 2022. Face-to-face interview was conducted using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Data were entered into Epi - data version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS version 17.
Results: The prevalence of depression among the inmates was 54.3%. About 4.3% reported suicidal ideation during imprisonment. Depression was significantly associated with previous occupation, drug use, duration of incarceration, number of prisoners per cell, family support, social support and suicidal thought during imprisonment.
Conclusions: More than half of the prisoners have depressive symptoms & thus recommended for the confirmatory diagnosis and treatment of mental issues drawing the attention of concerned authorities toward prisoner’s mental health.
Keywords: CESD; depression; inmates; Nepal

Published
2023-12-13
How to Cite
MahatoS., DevkotaN., KafleB. R., SinghM., & DahalH. R. (2023). Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factors among Inmates. Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 21(2), 232-237. https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v21i02.4617
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 2 (2023): Issue 59 April-June, 2023
Section
Original Article

Copyright (c) 2023 Simran Mahato, Nishchal Devkota, Birat Raj Kafle, Matrika Singh, Harsha Raj Dahal

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