The length of doing time and the mental health of convicts
Journal Title: Polish Journal of Public Health - Year 2011, Vol 121, Issue 2
Abstract
[b]Introduction[/b]. Nowadays the problem of overcrowded penitentiaries often appears in public debate. Isolation from the external world, limited space, sharing the cell with reoffenders, tension between the guards and the convicts seem to be factors that have adverse effect on mental comfort of prisoners serving their time. The question whether the period of time spent in such conditions may contribute to increase in the incidence of mental disorders in convicts, seems an interesting issue. [b]Aim[/b]. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether or not there is a correlation between the time period spent in prison and the incidence of mental disorders in convicts. [b]Material and methods[/b]. One hundred and one male convicts from the Lublin penitentiary were surveyed. The questionnaires included questions concerning the length of imprisonment, presence of disorders and drugs taken. The respondents were divided in three groups: those who had been imprisoned for up to 1 year – 79 persons, those who had been imprisoned for 1-3 years – 34 persons, and those who had been doing time for more than 3 years – 48 persons. The percentage of people complaining of psychosis and neurosis as well as those who took psychotropic, sedative and anxiolytic drugs were calculated. [b]Results[/b]. The percentage of convicts reporting mental disorders or taking psychotropic, sedative or anxiolytic drugs was 27.8% in convicts serving their time for up to 1 year; 29.4% in convicts imprisoned for 1-3 years; and 33.3% in convicts who had been in confinement for more than 3 years. In general, this percentage was 29.8%. The difference between each group was statistically significant (p<0.05). [b]Conclusion[/b]. The longer serving time period, the higher percentage of convicts with mental disorders. Imprisonment in facilities with inadequate living conditions may conduce to mental disorders. Preventive and promotional measures should be taken in order to minimize incidence of highlighted disorders. There is a need for public debate on alternative methods of punishment, and more detailed studies should be carried out concerning mental health of people serving prison sentences.
Authors and Affiliations
Piotr Książek, Magdalena Raszewska, Jolanta Herda, Krzysztof Kiernicki, Maciej Michalak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP102925
- DOI -
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
Maski depresyjne u pacjentów leczonych stomatologicznie. Opis przypadków
Depresja jest chorobą, która może powodować trudności diagnostyczne i przyjmować „maski” dolegliwości fizycznych, odwracając uwagę od psychicznych źródeł problemu. Chorzy z zaburzeniami psychiatrycznymi są niejednokrotni...
Opinions of students of Public Health Institute on teaching statistics and informatics
[b]Introduction[/b]. Considering the significance of informatics and statistics in modern Health Service, it is necessary to get students acquainted with its software and ways of usage. [b]Aim[/b]. The goal of the resea...
The evaluation of kindergarten teachers’ preparation to promote oral health among children
Introduction. The problem of high caries prevalence among preschool children has been widely discussed in Poland. Studies show unsatisfactory level of children’s oral health. A reason of this situation could be insuffic...
Students' sense of responsibility for their own health and self-esteem elements.
[b]Introduction[/b]. The role of individual beliefs in prophylaxis of diseases has been widely discussed since the mid of the last century. Such beliefs can be measured with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control S...
Civil-law contracts as the solution to the poor accessibility to specialists?
[b]Introduction.[/b] The functioning of specialist outpatient clinics is closely related with the value of the contract for the provision of health services, e.g. specialized outpatient care, concluded with the National...