Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health (May 2024)
Depression among female inmates in central prison of Kathmandu, Nepal
Abstract
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel the way you think and how you act. Studies shows that nearly 1/4th of the prisoners released each year suffer from depression but don’t receive treatment while incarcerated. The main objective of the study was to find out the level of depression among the female inmates in Central Prison of Kathmandu, Nepal and its associated factors. The cross-sectional descriptive analytical study design along with case study was used among 92 respondents who were selected by random sampling. Data collection was carried out using the semi structured socio demographic performa and Beck Depression Inventory. The data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics i.e. chi square test was calculated. The study revealed that 55 (59.8%) respondents were without any characteristics attitude of depression and 37 (40.1%) respondents had symptoms of depression. According to the result, those 37 respondents with certain symptoms of depression, 2(2.2%), 10(20.7%) and 16(17.4%) were mild, moderate and severe respectively in accordance with the Beck Depression Inventory. No association was found between the level of depression and socio demographic characteristics, imprisonment characteristics and substance use characteristics of the prisoners. Regarding the knowledge of their right to mental health very little 8(8.69%) had the knowledge but in contrast 78 (84.78%) had knowledge regarding the rights to physical health of the prisoners. The study found that the prisoners had higher level of depression. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that the new strategies and the regular mental health check up in the prison should be sought to prevent depression in the prison. Similarly it is of great urgency to concentrate on mental health issue i.e. depression in prison.
