Abstract
Background: Young prisoners are more susceptible to mental health problems as compared to adult prisoners and the general population. The lack of life skills has been reported as one of the main reasons for this vulnerability.Method: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the life skills education program on mental health and life skills among young prisoners in Cambodia. A pre-post intervention study was conducted with 412 young prisoners aged 15–24 years who were randomised into intervention and control groups. The Youth Self-Report and Life Skills Development – Adolescent Form scales were applied to assess impact of the intervention program.Result: Both intervention and control groups reported decreased mental health problems (DiD=3.78, p=0.34) and improved life skills competencies (DiD=0.39, p=0.80) after the intervention; however, the differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Further studies should be conducted to evaluate long-term effects of the like skills education program in the prison setting.
Universal mental health program: An extension of life skills education to promote child mental health
