Suicidal thinking, depression, and religiosity in a freedom-deprived population

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the influence of sociodemographic variables, prison context, religiosity, and symptoms of depression on the presence of suicidal thinking in a population deprived of liberty. Method: a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with 228 participants, based on a sociodemographic questionnaire, on the prison context, and on the presence of suicidal thinking, from the Duke Religiosity Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: the variables that showed a statistically significant correlation were the following: female gender, not having a partner, working inside the penitentiary, being a primary defendant and using controlled medication, and females are 7.2 times more likely to present suicidal thinking, for each point more in the depression score, increases by 21% in the chances and not having a partner increases the chances of thinking about suicide by three times. Although the scores of religiosity were high, they did not present a statistically significant correlation with the presence of suicidal thinking. Conclusion: the prison context is complex and contains peculiarities that cause the involvement of mental health problems, as well as self-harming thoughts. Considering the relevance of the subject at issue, this work stands out in view of the scarce scientific production on the subject.

Fatores associados ao risco relacionado ao uso de substâncias psicoativas por homens privados de liberdade

“…Investigar as condições de saúde das PPLs representa um desafio aos pesquisadores, uma vez que essa população é considerada, pela opinião pública, como desmerecedora de qualquer assistência, e os problemas identificados são vistos como punição pelos atos precedentes. Entretanto, entende-se que um ambiente prisional hostil e adoecedor pode dificultar o processo posterior de ressocialização (3) .…”

Factors associated with risk related to the use of psychoactive substances by men deprived of their liberty

“…Investigating the health conditions of PDLs represents a challenge to researchers, since this population is considered by public opinion as undeserving of any assistance, and the problems identified are seen as punishment for previous acts. However, it is understood that a hostile and unhealthy prison environment can hinder the subsequent re-socialization process 3 .…”