District Jail Research Articles

Prevalence of Depressions and Its Association with Symptoms among Convicted Male Inmates at District Jail Attock

Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness, loss of interest, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. Mental disorders, including depression, are prevalent globally, particularly in prison populations, where conditions exacerbate existing issues. This study aims to assess the level of depression among convicted male prisoners aged 18-50 years in Attock prison using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).The primary objective is to find out the prevalence of depression and examine the association between depression and somatic symptoms and sociodemographic variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 109 prisoner samples calculated through Open-Epi and selected through Convenience Sampling with random selection technique. A validated structured questionnaire was prepared which contains three sections i.e. demographic data, somatic symptoms of depression, and BDI. SPSS version 29 was used for data analysis where Chi-square, phi, and p-values were calculated to assess the statistical significance of the association between depression and various factors. A level of p < 0.05 was used to assess significance. The prevalence of depression was Normal (11.9%), Mild-mood disturbance (19.3%), Border-line depression (22.9%), Moderate depression (35.8%), Severe depression (7.3%), and Extreme depression (2.8%).Changes in appetite, lethargy, suicidal thoughts, mood changes, and sleep disturbances were strongly correlated with the severity of depression scores p < 0.05 while others like loss of interest and use of drugs/alcohol show only moderate association. Thus, study findings reveal also that 68.8% of inmates suffer from depression with 22.9% falling in the range of borderline clinical depression. There is an urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce depression rates among prisoners for societal well-being. The BDI proves to be an effective tool for measuring depression in this population.

Impulsivity, Non-suicidal Self-harm and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adult Offenders Incarcerated in Punjab, Pakistan Prisons

Previous research has exposed that non-suicidal self-harm and impulsivity are linked with psychological distress among incarcerated inmates in prisons. The current study investigated impulsivity, psychological distress and non-suicidal self-harm among emerging adult offenders incarcerated in Punjab, Pakistan prisons. A correlational research based on cross-sectional survey research design was conducted on a sample of N = 150 emerging adults incarcerated in Punjab Prisons in District Jail Faisalabad and Central Jail Gujranwala, Pakistan, via snowball sampling technique. The Impulsive Behavior Short Scale (I–8), DASS-21, and Suicidal Concern for Offenders in the Prison Environment (SCOPE-2) were used for data collection. The results indicated that impulsivity, psychological distress and non-suicidal self-harm have significant correlation. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that impulsivity was a significant predictor of psychological distress. Impulsive behaviour, non-suicidal self-harm and psychological distress can be attributed to a negative environment inside the prison environment.

A cross-sectional observational study of suicidal behavior among people in prison at Lajpore Central district jail, India

ABSTRACT Suicidal ideation assessment can help reduce the suicide rate among people in prison. Studies for the assessment of suicidal ideation and risk factors for suicide among inmates have been done in Western countries, but in India, data is lacking regarding the assessment of suicidal ideation among the people in prison. 1. To assess the prevalence of suicidal ideationin people in prison. 2. To identify aggravating factors for suicidal behavior. It was a cross Sectional Observational Study at a district jail, Lajpore, Surat, Gujarat. After permission from the jail authority, people in prison with or without conviction, who were willing to give consent for participation, were enrolled in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires are used to assess socio-demographic profiles. Modified Suicide Ideation scale (MSSI) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and PatientHealth Questionnaire (PHQ) scales were used as materials to assess suicidal ideation and psychiatric comorbidity. Frequency analysis and Pearson correlation among various factors with the use of appropriate statistical methods. Descriptive and qualitative analysis of data was done on 140 incarcerated persons in prison. Analysis showed that 10 (7.1%) people in prison had moderate suicidal ideation in the last 48 hours while 58 (41.4%) people in prison had suicidal ideation at any point in their life. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was high among people in prison. 57.9% had minimal depressive symptoms, while 9.3% had moderate to severe symptoms. Non-convicted inmates from urban areas were having significantly more psychological distress and depressive symptoms than other inmates. Advanced ageof the inmates, negative impact of imprisonment on life, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial distress emerged as risk factors correlated with suicidal ideation. During suicide risk assessment, inmate’s age, the impact of imprisonment, psychosocial distress, and depressive symptoms should be considered as risk factors among people in prison.

Calorie and nutrient gap analysis of jail menu and nutritional status of the prisoners of District Jail, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Assessment of prisoners' diet showed that it is deficient in calories as well as in Recommended Daily Allowance values. Caloric value was about 64.9% deficient considering one serving (plate per time) taken. A quantitative-qualitative mixed approach was adopted. Convenient purposive sampling was employed to recruit 112 participants. For quantitative assessment a descriptive cross-sectional study design and semistructured data collection tool was used, and for qualitative evaluation, caloric and RDA value of different nutrients were calculated and in-depth interviews were conducted. Analysis showed that the diet provided was deficient in caloric and RDA values, thus the prison authority should design a proper strategy to ensure proper nutritional status of prisoners.

THE DIGITAL DESIRE, REAL CONSEQUENCES: PORNOGRAPHY & SEXUAL ABUSE IN PAKISTAN

Google ranked Pakistan among the most pornographic searching content countries in the world. At same time, Pakistanis feel uncomfortable while discussing sex and pornography publicly considering this subject as a taboo. On other hand, there is an increase in cases of rape, child abuse, and sexual harassment in the country indicating an alarming threat. This study explores possible relationship between X-rated content consumption and its relation with sexual abuse cases in particular context. The theoretical framework of social learning theory (Bandura, 1977) & cultivation theory (Gerbner, 1969) was employed. Data for this qualitative study is collected through the interview guide method using instrument of semi-structured interviews. The research population comprises the rape convicts currently under jail term in District Jail of Kasur (n=20 convicts). Thematic analysis of the study reveals that the consumption of X-rated content at an early age stimulated the rape convicts to commit the rape. Other factors involved in committing rape are the socio-economic conditions and psychographics of rape convicts. The study recommends that the PTA should increase and ensure its filters with the strict checks upon the online traffic and trends of the search-on-search engines.

Metaphors and the Politics of Nationhood in Bhutto’s If I Am Assassinated

This paper examines the conceptual metaphors used in Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s autobiographical writing If I Am Assassinated. This autobiographical testament is the response from the death cell of the Rawalpindi District Jail to the allegations of the military regime in the form of the White Paper which is perceived as an authoritative report by an organization. The legal cum political response was smuggled from the jail and published in India shortly before his execution. The qualitative study concentrates mainly on the nature and function of the conceptual metaphors in this dominantly political discourse. To address this issue, the concepts of conceptual metaphor developed by Lakoff and Johnsen (2003) has been used as theoretical base. Finally, the identification and interpretation of the metaphors have established that the trauma conveyed through conceptual metaphors affects the politics of nationhood. Particularly, such metaphors present Bhutto as a supra-subaltern character in Pakistani politics who fights to the end for democracy and nationalism.

OPTIMIZING VISITATION SERVICES: A CASE STUDY OF FEMALES DORMOF URDANETA DISTRICT JAIL

Jail visitation services lies in recognizing the inherent value of human connection, support, and accountability in promoting rehabilitation, maintaining human rights, and fostering successful reintegration into society for incarcerated individuals. This study focused on the assessment of the visitation services offered at the Womens Dorm of Urdaneta District Jail.The study made use of mixed method of quantitative and qualitative descriptive research design among the 27 Person Deprived of Liberty in Urdaneta District Jail Female Dorm. The research findings suggest that the visitation services at Urdaneta District Jail Female Dorm are highly satisfactory, with an overall rating of 3.74, indicating a high level of contentment among female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). This underscores the exceptional quality of visitation services provided by the jail, attributed to the provision of basic and exemplary services aimed at ensuring the well-being of PDLs and their families. Despite this overall satisfaction, specific areas for improvement have been identified. The E-dalaw area received the lowest mean rating of 3.41, indicating a need for enhancement in its equipment and facilities. Additionally, concerns related to sudden visitation cancellations, vaccination requirements for children visitors, and ventilation in the visitation area highlight key challenges that require attention to further optimize the visitation experience for both PDLs and their families. Addressing these issues will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the high standard of visitation services offered by Urdaneta District Jail Female Dorm.By addressing these challenges, Urdaneta District Jail Female Dorm can continue to uphold its reputation for exceptional visitation services while fostering a supportive environment for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Impact of Library Resources on Prison Education in India: A Review of Re-habilitation Efforts

This review synthesizes findings from two case studies focusing on the role of library resources in facilitating education and rehabilitation in Indian prisons. The first study explores the educational landscape within Indian prisons, highlighting various initiatives and challenges in delivering effective educational programs to inmates. The second study delves into the specific impact of library services in the District Jail of Gautam Buddha Nagar, examining how access to diverse reading materials and information resources aids in the intellectual and emotional development of inmates. Together, these studies underscore the significant role of library resources in supporting prisoner education and rehabilitation in India. They reveal how well-managed prison libraries, equipped with a broad range of materials and services, can contribute to the reformation, skill development, and overall well-being of inmates, thereby playing a crucial part in their successful reintegration into society.

Factors Attributed to Crime Causation among Persons Deprived of Liberty in a Rural Jail in the Philippines

Beyond every crime that happens because of different factors or reasons. Understanding the factors that cause crime is necessary to find ways and means to counter the reasons for the crimes and to recommend possible solutions. Other important of understanding the causes of crime include; pinpointing risk factors can help crime prevention managers where to allocate funds; safety and security for the society are attained hence programs to deter crimes are crafted, and law enforcement agencies can determine how society will help in mitigating the effects of crime This study was conducted to determine the factors why the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in Mountain Province District Jail (MPDJ), Philippines committed crimes; and also, to craft a program to address the surfaced factors why PDLs in MPDJ committed crimes. The study employed a qualitative-descriptive research design. Although the MPDJ covers male and female dorms, only sixteen male PDLs serve as the study’s participants because there was no sentenced district female prisoner incarcerated when the study was conducted. An interview was employed to gather the data needed for the study. The participants' responses during the interview were recorded and noted using paper and pen. In light of the findings from the study, PDLs in Mountain Province District Jail committed crimes because of internal and external factors. Specifically, it includes; pleasure, impulsivity, and uncontrolled emotion for internal factors, while external factors that caused them to commit crime include; the influence of liquor, lack of education, peer influence, and poverty. Programs to address the surfaced factors why PDLs in Mountain Province District Jail committed crimes include; skill building, information dissemination, and training programs for livelihood.

Measuring Recidivism Rate: Its Predictive Variables and Antecedents

This study examined the recidivism rate at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR), Philippines, from 2020 to 2022 based on predictive variables and antecedents of recidivism. The results revealed that young individuals; males; married; Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) with drug cases, leading to death or intending to cause death, and acts involving fraud and deception; and those having shorter stays in prison tend to recidivate more. Likewise, the pattern of recidivism in the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) from 2020 to 2022 was affected by the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, both predictive variables and antecedents of recidivism show no significant association with the pattern of recidivism.

Community Involvement in the Rehabilitation and Treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL): A Case Study of the Iriga District Jail, Philippine

This study focuses on evaluating community involvement in rehabilitating and caring for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Iriga District Jail in Camarines Sur's Fifth District, Philippines. The research employed a quantitative-methods of survey questionnaire, utilizing purposive and random sampling techniques to select participants of total 100 however 89 respondents replied considered and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that community involvement activities were partially implemented, encompassing work and livelihood programs, moral and spiritual programs, education and training programs, sports and recreation programs, behavior modification programs, and health and welfare programs. Challenges identified included limited funds, inadequate physical facilities, limited government and community support, insufficient staff training, and organizational issues. To strengthen community involvement in prisoner rehabilitation, this study recommends psychological evaluations, job placement or referral, community service programs, client self-help organizations, environmental awareness programs, volunteer probation aides, and involving the client's family in the rehabilitation process. These findings offer insights into the current state of community involvement in prisoner rehabilitation and propose measures for improvement in Camarines Sur's Fifth District.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status as Well as Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Prisoners and the Implications.

Prisoners form a population who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to overcrowding, limited movement, and a poor living environment. Consequently, there is a need to ascertain the status of COVID-19 vaccination and factors associated with hesitancy among prisoners. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was undertaken among prisoners at three district jails in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A total of 381 prisoners participated and none of the study participants had received an influenza vaccine this year. In total, 53% received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with the majority having two doses. The top three reasons of vaccine acceptance were "fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection" (56.9%), "desire to return to a pre-pandemic routine as soon as possible" (56.4%), and "having no doubts on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines" (39.6%). There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in any demographic variables between vaccinated and unvaccinated prisoners except for age, which was strongly association with COVID-19 vaccine uptake (χ2(3) = 76.645, p < 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.457). Among the unvaccinated prisoners (N = 179), only 16 subsequently showed willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The top three reasons for hesitancy were: COVID-19 is not a real problem/disease (60.1%), safety concerns (51.1%), and COVID-19 vaccine is a conspiracy (50.3%). Efforts are needed to address their concerns given this population's risks and high hesitancy rates, especially among younger prisoners.

Therapeutic Community as a Treatment Modality for Persons Deprived of Liberty in Mountain Province District Jail

Therapeutic Community as a Treatment Modality for Persons Deprived of Liberty in Mountain Province District Jail

Factors Affecting Recidivism of Persons Deprived of Liberty at Tabaco City District Jail

Recidivism is a term used to describe the tendency of a person who has been released from prison or other Detention facilities to re-offend and return to incarceration. The study aimed to identify the factors that affect the recidivism of persons deprived of liberty at Tabaco City District Jail using a descriptive-quantitative research design. The data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to 100 selected PDL who were detained or had been released and returned to the jail. The study found several factors contributing to recidivism, including lack of employment opportunities, substance abuse problems, lack of education and skills, and poor social support. The findings suggest the need for more comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs that address these underlying factors to reduce the likelihood of repeated offenses and promote successful re-entry into society. These programs should focus on providing educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and social support to help PDL successfully reintegrate into their communities. This is useful for policymakers and practitioners in the criminal justice system to develop and implement more effective interventions to reduce recidivism rates among persons deprived of liberty at Tabaco City District Jail.

Depression level among the prisoners of Hobigonj district jail of Bangladesh

Depression level among the prisoners of Hobigonj district jail of Bangladesh

Humane Treatment among Persons Deprived of Liberty at Tabaco City District Jail

Humane Treatment among Persons Deprived of Liberty at Tabaco City District Jail

Factors Affecting the Criminal Behavior among Pakistani Youth: A Case Study of Punjab Province Pakistan

Crime is one of the major problems in Pakistan. Increased incidences of crime across the country are becoming a matter of great concern. It is popular to associate criminal behavior with the poor physical, psychological, social, and economic conditions of the impoverished segment of the population. Poverty, unemployment, and corruption are Pakistan's most significant drivers of youth crimes. Keeping in view all these facts, the main objective of this study was to investigate the factors affecting youth criminal behavior in Punjab, Pakistan. In this research quantitative research approach was used. Primary data was collected through field surveys. A multistage random sampling technique was used for data collection. In the first stage, two districts were selected randomly from central Punjab. In the second stage, district jail Faisalabad and district jail Pakpattan were selected purposively. In the third stage, a sample size of 300 respondents was chosen purposively. A questionnaire was designed as a data collection tool, and collected data were analyzed by using SPSS 25 version. The study's findings indicated that most of the respondents who were involved in crimes were married and between 21 to 25 years old. Univariate analysis revealed that poverty, unemployment, poor socialization, and peer pressure were major causes of crime among youth. Bivariate analysis showed that excessive social media usage and youth unemployment contributed to criminal behavior. So, the present study suggested that Governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should collaborate to enhance awareness and youth empowerment to guarantee that individuals have the necessary skills and training to participate in the labor market and become productive members of society.

Part of the Policing System in Criminal Justice System; Pieces of evidence from Punjab, Pakistan

Understanding criminal justice procedure in depth is imperative for developing a peaceful and nonviolent society. The police department is a crucial component of any country’s criminal justice system. The aim of current research was to examine Pakistan's criminal justice system, with a special focus on the Punjab police department as this department is the core part of this CJS (Criminal Justice System) hierarchy. In this study, the researcher employed the quantitative research design, and 104 out of 210 convicted prisoners were interviewed from the Faisalabad District Jail with the help of a well-structured questionnaire. It can be concluded that the policing system of Pakistan has developed through time and is continuing to do so in the modern world, including Pakistan; yet, the intricate workings of the system can be simplified enough for the average person to comprehend them, taking into account the changing interests and challenges of different time and spaces.

Frequency of Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection among Intravenous Drug Abusers; Experience from A Single Rehabilitation Center

Objectives: To determine the frequency of Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Coinfection among Intravenous drug abusers in a rehabilitation Centre.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Medical and Rehabilitation Centre of District Jail, Lahore Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 220 participants with a history of intravenous drug abuse were screened for Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, with positive cases confirmed by polymerase chain reaction tests.&#x0D; Results: The median was age 27(8.0) years. Only 12 (5.5) had above higher secondary education. Injectable heroin and metamphetamine used by the respondents were 182 (82.7) and 41 (22.5), respectively. Human immunodeficiency virus infection was present in 163 (74.1), Hepatitis C infection in 149 (67.7), Hepatitis B infection in 9 (4.09), and co-infection of human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C virus infections in 118 (53.6) respectively. Human immunodeficiency virus infection showed a significant association with education level (p&lt;0.01) and drug use (p=0.01). Hepatitis C infection showed association with marital status (p=0.04), religion (p&lt;0.01) and drugs used, while Co-infection showed association with religion and drug used (p=0.01 and p=0.004 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: Intravenous drug users have a significantly higher prevalence of Human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C infection and their co-infection, occurring in more than half of injectable users. In addition, these infections show significant association with education status, marital status and type of injectable drug used.

Role of Social Support and Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Mental Health Outcomes of Women Behind Bars

Purpose:This research was carried out to find the role of social support and cognitive emotion regulation approaches in mental health outcomes of women behind bars. Method:Female prisoners (n=200) were approached from four district jails of Punjab with purposive sampling technique. Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski, Kraaij &amp; Spinhoven, 2001), General Health Questionnaire- 28 (GHQ-28; Goldberg ,1978) and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS, Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet &amp; Farley, 1988) were used to measure coping strategies, mental health and communal support provided to female prisoners. Results: Regression analysis revealed that perception of social support from significant others considerably predicted adaptive cognitive emotion regulation approaches whereas, lack of perceived social support lead towards maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and poorer mental health outcomes. It was also indicated from the results that somatic symptoms were predominant psychological problem among female prisoners, followed by anxiety insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. Limitations and suggestions were also discussed. Conclusion: This study proved to be a significant addition in forensic psychology and help forensic psychologist to understand mental health problems of female prisoners and to make interventions.