Correlates of psycho-social health problems among prison inmates in south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study investigated correlates of psycho-social health problems among prison inmates in south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria. Five research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. Methods: The study adopted a correlational design. The population used was one thousand, three hundred and sixty-two (1362) respondents comprised of all the prison inmates’ from three states in south-south geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study also consisted of inmates from various social classes. Structured questionnaire comprising 36 items were administered to the inmates to provide information covering the seven research questions and hypotheses. Pearson’s product moment correlation was utilized to obtain a reliability value of 0.76. Linear-regression and t-test associated with linear-regression were used to analyze the RQ and H0. Results: The results of the study demonstrated that inadequate prison infrastructures and long span of stay were indicators of well-being issues. Conclusions: In view of the findings, it was concluded that basically, health is determined by interplay of factors such as physical, mental and social. It is important that Government and Non- Governmental organization should intensify their efforts in rehabilitating the prison to improve the health standards of the inmates. Judiciary system should facilitate inmates’ trials instead of keeping them too long in prison before trial.