Abstract
Background: It is presumed that depression is the major psychological problem among inmates as they are believed to be under an vast mental and physical stress compared to the general population. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors in Ambo Prison, Ambo Town, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Method: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression. The samples were selected by systematic random sampling technique and data was collected by using structured questionnaire in accordance with PHQ-9 screening and scoring Scale. The sample was calculated by using sample size calculating formula and correction formula. The data was coded and entered into computer and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were done for association, and finally frequencies and other descriptive statistics were computed. Result: The overall prevalence of depression among inmates was 54.4%, of which 53 (15.4%), 31 (9%), 29 (8.4%), and 74 (21.5%) met the criteria for mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression respectively. Factors associated with depression were future apprehension and the environments of the prison. However, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictor of depression was suicidal ideation [AOR= 25.547; 95% CI: 12.166, 53.648, p<0.01]. Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of depression among inmates in Ambo Prison were found to be high, in which most of them met the criteria for severe depression contributing to suicidal ideation and actual attempts. Keywords: Associated factors, Ambo, Depression, Prevalence, Severity DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/94-01 Publication date: October 31 st 2021
Highlights
Prison is an institution, usually under state control, where sentenced prisoners and accused persons incarcerated in custody are legally held as a punishment or while awaiting trial
Factors associated with depression From 344 (92.2%) inmates, 229 (66.6%) were influenced by factors associated with disconcerting sentiments that developed after incarceration while 115 (33.4%) were not; 222 (64.5%) were influenced by factors associated with circumscribed affairs while 122 (35.5%) were not; 273 (79.4%) were influenced by factors associated with future apprehension while, 71 (20.6%); 201 (58.4%) were influenced by factors associated with the environment of the prison while 143 (41.6%) were not
The study showed that inmates who were influenced by factors associated with future apprehension were more likely to show signs of depression when compared to their counterpart [AOR= 2.818; 95% CI: 1.184, 6.704, p=0.019]
Summary
Usually under state control, where sentenced prisoners and accused persons incarcerated in custody are legally held as a punishment or while awaiting trial. From the realistic mental health problems that can be acquired while incarcerated, depression has an overriding prevalence. It is presumed that depression is the major psychological problem among inmates as they are believed to be under an vast mental and physical stress compared to the general population.Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors in Ambo Prison, Ambo Town, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.Method: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression. The samples were selected by systematic random sampling technique and data was collected by using structured questionnaire in accordance with PHQ-9 screening and scoring Scale.
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