Health needs and risky behaviours among inmates in the largest prison of eastern Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gambhir Shrestha ◽  
Rashmi Mulmi ◽  
Deepak Kumar Yadav ◽  
Dharanidhar Baral ◽  
Birendra Kumar Yadav ◽  
...  

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the health status and risky behaviours of inmates in Nepal.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Jhumka Regional Prison, the largest male prison in eastern Nepal from September 2014 to August 2015. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from 434 randomly selected incarcerated participants using semi-structured questionnaires.FindingsThe mean age of 434 participants was 35.7 years (SD 13.3). The majority (84 per cent) had at least one current health problem, of which the commonest were respiratory (50 per cent), skin (38 per cent) and digestive (26 per cent). Alcohol (73 per cent) and cigarettes (71 per cent) were the most commonly used substances prior to imprisonment. Approximately, 27 and 11 per cent reported illicit drug use and injectable drug use prior to incarceration, respectively. A total of 204 inmates reported having intercourse with sex workers. Of these, 49 per cent did not use a condom in their last intercourse with a sex worker.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper illustrates that a wide range of physical and mental health problems exist among incarcerated people in Nepal. The study may lack generalisability, however, as it was conducted in a single male prison.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests a need for medical, psychiatric and substance abuse care in correctional settings to improve the health status of the prison population. It is also important to develop screening policies for blood-borne viral and other infectious diseases in the prison.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its kind drawn from prisons in Nepal.

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 264-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Hare Duke

Purpose Loneliness is associated with a variety of physical and mental health problems as well as mortality. In the mental health context, loneliness is sometimes viewed as a symptom of mental disorder rather than a problem in its own right. The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of addressing loneliness amongst mental health service users. Design/methodology/approach Narrative overview of current literature on loneliness and health outcomes. Findings Loneliness is highly prevalent amongst adults with a variety of different mental health diagnoses in the UK. Preliminary evidence suggests that loneliness is not a symptom of mental health conditions themselves, and thus is likely to be either a cause or a consequence of mental ill-health. Lacking good quality social relationships is a risk factor for a wide range of health problems. The evidence for interventions targeting loneliness in different populations is lacking. New interventions and further research to tackle loneliness amongst service users is warranted. Originality/value Loneliness has not historically been a key target for intervention within mental health services. This paper collates the evidence base to provide the foundation for a new wave of interventions to target the perceived social isolation of service users.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Rajni Suri ◽  
Anshu Suri ◽  
Neelam Kumari ◽  
Amool R. Singh ◽  
Manisha Kiran

The role of women is very crucial in our society. She cares for her parents, partner, children and other relatives. She performs all types of duties in family and also in the society without any expectations. Because of playing many roles, women often face many challenges in their life including both physical and mental. Mental health problems affect women and men equally, but some problems are more common among women including both physical and mental health problems. Aim of the study - The present study is aimed to describe and compare the clinical and socio-demographic correlates of female mentally ill patients. Methods and Materials: The study includes 180 female mentally ill patients based on cross sectional design and the sample for the study was drawn purposively. A semi structured socio-demographic data sheet was prepared to collect relevant information as per the need of the study. Result: The present study reveals that the socio-demographic factors contribute a vital role in mental illness. Findings also showed that majority of patients had mental problems in the age range of 20-30 have high rate. Illiterate and primary level of education and daily wage working women as well as low and middle socio-economic status women are more prone to have mental illness. Other factors like marital status, type of family and religion etc also important factors for mental illness. Keywords: Socio demographic profile, female, psychiatric patient


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinga Kołodziej ◽  
Anna Kurowska ◽  
Anna Majda

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the intensity of perceived stress and measure the subjective control of anxiety, anger and depression in a group of women and men staying in Polish penitentiary institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out in two penitentiary institutions located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship at the turn of 2019/2020. The study group consisted of 152 prisoners. In the cross-sectional study, two standardised research tools – the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Control Scale – were used. Findings Over half of the prisoners (57.24%) presented a high level of stress. The intensity of the perceived stress did not depend on the gender and age of the convicted persons. The general indicator of emotional control among the respondents averaged 51.82 points (standard deviation = 14.52) and ranged from 22 to 83 points, which means that people detained in penitentiary institutions suppressed their negative emotions at an average level. The prisoners had the best control over fear (M = 18.68), less over anger (M = 16.86) and the least over depression (M = 16.27). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the level of emotional control and the intensity of perceived stress. Research limitations/implications The small sample size of the group participating in the study and narrowing of the research area means that results can not be generalised across all isolated prison population. Practical implications The results obtained from the study can be used by a multidisciplinary team to develop therapeutic programmes for convicted persons, the aim of which is to evaluate strategies for coping with stress and controlling emotions. Social implications Popularising reliable information related to the issue of experiencing stress and varied emotions in those staying in penitentiary institutions may lead to the elimination of harmful stereotypes functioning in society, as well as reduce the phenomenon of marginalisation of prisoners, and thus contribute to the success of the social rehabilitation process. Originality/value Research on the level of stress intensity in prisoners is important because the rates of mental health disorders among prisoners consistently exceed the rates of such disorders in the general population.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 662-668
Author(s):  
Tanja Jovanovska ◽  
Biljana Kocić ◽  
Viktorija Proanovska-Stojčevska ◽  
Domnika Rajchanovska ◽  
Izabela Filov ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Prisoners’ health is one of the major challenges of public health systems because of prisoners’ greater care needs due to the poor economic conditions connected to the numerous risks and higher morbidity and mortality related to incarceration. Malnutrition, infectious diseases, overcrowding, strict custodial physical infrastructure, and limited access to basic health services, among other factors, contribute to a worsening of the physical and mental health of prisonersOBJECTIVES: This study aimed to ascertain leading health problems, care needs, and the degree of health protection used in the prison population of the Republic of Macedonia. METHODS: The research is a cross-sectional study of the prison population, composed of 550 prisoners, with 100 situated in Bitola’s prison, 100 in the prison of Prilep, 50 women imprisoned in the women’s section of the correctional institution, Idrizovo, and another 300 prisoners from Idrizovo. RESULTS: The most important reasons for causing illness amount examinees were the conditions in prison (as considered by 73.0% of respondents), drug use (by 50.4% of respondents), stress (by 45.6% of respondents), and improper nutrition (by 43.6% of respondents).CONCLUSION: Findings suggest a poor health status for prisoners due to specific problems and care needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika McGivern ◽  
Stephen Shannon ◽  
Gavin Breslin

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.


Author(s):  
Hari Krishnan R. ◽  
Hanitha Rajasekar ◽  
Suganthi S.

Background: The whole world became still, when a major pandemic COVID-19 started its toll across all developed and developing countries. It has caused both physical and emotional disturbances among all age groups. This study was done to evaluate the parental mental health in COVID-19 as this group is not given much importance. The major mental health problems associated with COVID-19 among parents are due to online classes which has caused depression, anxiety and stress.Methods: A cross-sectional study done among all parents, especially those of whose children are attending online class were included in the study. Convenient sampling was used to select 204 participants, GHQ 12 questionnaire was used for data collection on mental health status among parents.Results: Overall prevalence of parents with better mental health <19 was 108 (52.9%) and prevalence of parents with poor mental health >19 was 96 (47.1%).Conclusions: This study concluded that parental age of 31 to 40 years who are employed and have children studying in primary school to have a poor mental health status. The most important contributing factors for poor parental health were online classes for children and work place stress.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suvasish Das Shuvo ◽  
Md. Eunus Ali ◽  
Md. Masudur Rahman ◽  
Abu Taher ◽  
Md Asaduzzaman ◽  
...  

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the association between dietary patterns with health status and smoking-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (s-KAP) among Bangladeshi adolescent smokers. Design/methodology/approach An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 randomly selected adolescents. Socio-demographic, health status, s-KAP related data were collected in face-to-face interviews. Dietary intake data were calculated using the food frequency questionnaire. Findings The practices score (44.8%) was comparatively poor among adolescent smokers. Among the respondents, around 56.1%, 38.1% and 49.3% were suffering from gastric problems, nausea and the loss of appetite, respectively, because of smoking. There was a significant relationship between dietary diversity and the occurrence of several diseases such as gastric problems, nausea and loss of appetite. The respondents who consumed fresh fruits and vegetables regularly might reduce gastric problems (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.27–1.04 and OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.25–1.65), nausea (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.38–1.37 and OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13–0.84) and loss of appetite (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32–1.21 and OR: 0.16 95% CI: 0.27–0.68). Originality/value In conclusion, smoking has been associated with multiple health problems because of poor practices score. Consumption of a balanced diet, better smoking-related knowledge, attitudes and practices needs to be improved among adolescents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-305
Author(s):  
Nancie Luth-Hanssen ◽  
Marit Fougner ◽  
Jonas Debesay

Purpose Immigrant women show a higher risk of mental health problems and report higher levels of musculoskeletal disorders. Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapy (NPMP) is a body awareness treatment that has been used to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders and mental distress. The purpose of this study is to explore immigrant women’s participation in a low threshold training group and identify what motivates and affects their attendance and well-being. Design/methodology/approach The study is informed by a phenomenological approach. The data collection methods consisted of participatory observation and interviews. Observations and interviews were carried out between December 2016 and March 2017. Findings The findings show that the content and context of the movement group, being able to participate in exercises wearing own clothes and relying on previous body experiences motivate the women to attend and continue in the training program. NPMP inspired group training takes into account women’s cultural preferences and values. The culture-sensitive approach to physical exercise seems to motivate attendance and contribute to social and mental well-being. Low threshold physical programs should, therefore, be considered to provide immigrant women with the opportunity to experience well-being and social participation. Originality/value This study contributes to the better understanding and promotion of the physical and mental health of immigrants.


2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Katharina Mantell ◽  
Annika Baumeister ◽  
Hildegard Christ ◽  
Stephan Ruhrmann ◽  
Christiane Woopen

Background: Health literacy (HL) is considered a key concept to positively address relevant decisions concerning physical and mental health. According to an integrated model of a European Consortium, the process to access, understand, appraise and apply health information is at the centre of practising HL. Aim: In this study, we examine HL in a population with an early onset of a mental disorder (MD). Methods: Results are based on a cross-sectional survey among people with MD ( n = 310) who sought help at an early detection centre for MD in Cologne, Dresden or Munich. Help-seekers filled out the European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) on perception-based HL, socio-demographic data and general health status. Psychopathology was assessed separately by trained specialists. Data are compared with a representative sample of the German population. Results: Overall, HL was lower in a sample with MD compared with the general population. Disease-specific limitations were present in accessing, appraising and applying health information, whereas understanding was perceived fairly easy. Statistical analysis of limited HL revealed correlations with the diagnosis of affective disorders and anxiety disorders, an increase of depressive symptoms as well as the presence of more than one MD. In line with these findings, low levels of HL were associated with a worse general health status. Conclusion: In a population with MD, accessing, appraising and applying health information seemed to be particularly challenging. Therefore, educational programmes that mainly focus on increasing knowledge might not be sufficient for improving the HL in people with MD. Further research should concentrate on context-specific HL to foster behavioural change and improve overall health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-34
Author(s):  
Vilani Sachitra ◽  
Neranji Wijewardhana

Purpose The place of rehabilitation programmes in the reformation and transformation of prison inmates has continued to be on the front burner of professionals such as educators, counsellors, social workers, psychologists and medical doctors. Analysis has taken something of a top-down approach, and consideration has been placed on how the organizational context of individual prisoners interact with those rehabilitation programmes has been neglected. Drawing on interview data, this study aims to add to our understanding how rehabilitation programme affects inmates’ skills and attitudes in Sri Lankan prisons. Design/methodology/approach This study used an inductive qualitative case study approach as it requires a deep understanding of the effect of rehabilitation programme on inmates’ skills and attitudes and how inmates view rehabilitation programmes. Findings The study identified seven views of inmates regarding rehabilitation programmes conducted and understood that rehabilitation programme facilitates inmates to acquire strong self-assurance of future career options and deal with potentially destructive feeling such as anger, frustration and loneliness. However, inmates who showed a strong propensity to suffer injustice and internalized blame have found no substantial impact on their skills and attitude through the programme. Practical implications It is arguable that operation of meaningful prison-based rehabilitation programme is influenced by comprehensive picture of the profile of the prison population, shortages in resources, the attitudes of prison staffs, inability to meet real world settings and network building with a wide range of private, public or voluntary providers. Originality/value This study represents the first prison-based study to understand the inmates view on the rehabilitation programmes in Sri Lanka.


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