Depressive symptoms and its associated factors among prisoners in Debre Berhan prison, Ethiopia.

Journal: PloS one

Volume: 15

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2020

Affiliated Institutions:  Program of Psychiatry, School of Nursing, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. HIV Prevention, and Control Office, Arada Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Addis Ketema Sub-city Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ginella woreda, Ginella Health Center, Harari, Ethiopia. Department of Nursing, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.

Abstract summary 

Depression is a common mental disorder among prisoners characterized by a mood change involving a feeling of sadness, lack of interest, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. Besides imprisonment, depression is the primary factor leading to suicidal attempts. However, little is known about the depressive status of prisoners in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude and associated factors of depressive symptoms among prisoners of Debre Berhan prison.We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study. We collected data from 336 randomly selected prisoners using interviewer-administered Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We collected the data from May 3 to 28, 2015, and performed binary logistic regression to identify independent predictors of depressive disorder.Out of the total of 336 prisoners, 98% (n = 330) were males. Using PHQ-9 at the cut-off point of ≥5, we found the prevalence of depression to be 44% (n = 148). Being widowed (AOR = 6.30; CI: 1.09-36.67), having a college or university level educational status (AOR = 5.34; CI:1.59-17.94), having a history of suicide attempt (AOR = 2.76 CI: 1.04-7.31), having faced severe stressful life events (AOR = 2.57; CI: 1.41-4.67), being sentenced for 5 to 10 years (AOR = 2.51; CI:1.32-4.79), and having a history of chronic medical illness (AOR = 3.32 CI: 1.26-8.75) were found to be independently associated with depressive symptoms.There is a high prevalence of depression among prisoners of Debre Berhan prison. Hence, designing strategies for early screening and treatment of depression at prisons is crucial.

Authors & Co-authors:  Reta Yared Y Getachew Ruth R Bahiru Melese M Kale Betelhem B Workie Keralem K Gebreegziabhere Yohannes Y

Study Outcome 

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Citations :  Kupers TA, Toch H. Prison madness: The mental health crisis behind bars and what we must do about it: Jossey-Bass San Francisco, CA; 1999.
Authors :  6
Identifiers
Doi : e0220267
SSN : 1932-6203
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Ethiopia
Publication Country
United States