PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS AMONG CONVICTED PRISONERS IN A DISTRICT JAIL IN NORTH INDIA

Dr Pranshu Agarwal; Dr Priyanka Sharma

Volume : X, Issue : VII, July - 2020

PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS AMONG CONVICTED PRISONERS IN A DISTRICT JAIL IN NORTH INDIA

Dr Pranshu Agarwal, Dr Priyanka Sharma

Abstract :

Background: Prison inmates comprise a disadvantaged population that is highly vulnerable to psychiatric illnesses, however, its exact burden and correlates are not properly understood, especially in India. The present study explores the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and its correlates among convicted prisoners at a district jail in North India. Materials and Method: A total of 287 convicted prisoners both male and female who were inmates during the period of mid June to mid September 2019 participated in the study. Socio–demographic data, clinical history and criminological history were collected from each individual. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using MINI–Plus. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21.0. Independent samples ‘t’–test and chi–square tests were applied. Results: A total of 198 (69.2%) had a current mental illness.70.3% of subjects were from rural population. Mood disorders were found in about 58.1%, Substance use disorders were found in 5.2%, antisocial personality disorders were found in 2.7%, Psychotic disorders were found in 4.5%, Adjustment disorders were found in 1.7%. Nearly 5% of prisoners among those with psychiatric disorders reported of suicidal ideations. No significant association of age, gender, rural/urban status, education, marital status and annual family income was seen with psychiatric disorder. However, religion, occupation, duration of imprisonment and type of crime showed a significant association with psychiatric disorder. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental disorders was quite high in convicted prisoners and was driven mainly by prolonged jail term. Religious beliefs might have a protective role