The association between imported factors and prisoners' mental health: Implications for adaptation and intervention

Abstract

In the United Kingdom (UK) the prison population has increased by around one third since the turn of the millennium amid growing concern over the correctional mission of prisons, the number of prisoners exhibiting mental health difficulties and high levels of recidivism. This study aims to explore the relationship between 'imported' (pre-prison) factors and prisoner mental health status. Prisoners (N = 756) from two UK prisons completed an established measure of mental health (General Health Questionnaire: GHQ-12) and a bespoke survey on pre-prison characteristics and experiences (for example, dispositions, childhood abuse, substance misuse, learning difficulties and employment). Prevalence of mental health difficulties was high, with 40.3% reaching the 'caseness' threshold. Binary logistic regression and odds ratio analyses were used to explore the ability of imported factors to predict mental health 'caseness' and the direction of influence. Collectively, the imported factors correctly predicted the caseness category of 76.5% of participants (p < .001). Pre-prison dispositions proved to be strong predictors of caseness as did childhood sexual abuse and learning difficulties at school. We found the direction of influence of three imported factors differed from all others: unemployment, prior experience of prison and a history of substance misuse. These three factors are associated with a lower rate of mental health caseness. It is of concern that, on release, these same factors are likely to militate against re-integration into society. Imported factors can serve as powerful predictors of 'within-prison' mental health status, but practitioners need to be cognisant of the relative importance and direction of influence of factors, as evidenced by these findings.

An updated picture of the mental health needs of male and female prisoners in the UK: prevalence, comorbidity, and gender differences

“…Thus, many people in prison experience mental health issues prior to their arrival in custody [30]. For example, "imported factors" such as pre-prison dispositions, childhood sexual abuse, and learning difficulties have been found to be significant predictors of within-prison mental health status [31]. However, the psychosocial experience of imprisonment has also been found to act as an additional stressor upon individuals' mental wellbeing [32].…”

Dietary diversity practice and associated factors among adolescent girls in Dembia district, northwest Ethiopia, 2017

“…Adolescence is a critical period determining current and future behaviors. Hence, behavioral interventions, including on dietary issues, at this stage will likely help bring intended change during adolescence and throughout their lifetime [ 2 – 4 ]. Adolescence also offers a window of opportunity to achieve optimal growth and development and delay or prevent the risk of non-communicable diseases [ 5 ].…”

Well-being and mental health interventions for Indigenous people in prison: systematic review

“…The cultural knowledge of Indigenous facilitators or elders appears to reduce some of the barriers to client engagement that are otherwise seen in prison-based interventions. 55,87–89 Indigenous facilitators are more likely to have a shared understanding of a client's culture and life experience, which supports the delivery of a culturally responsive well-being and mental health service. 90 This cultural sensitivity appears to be of particular importance when providing cultural and trauma healing, as seen in the fifth study.…”