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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Depression among inmates in a regional prison of eastern Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Gambhir Shrestha, Deepak Kumar Yadav, Nidesh Sapkota, Dharanidhar Baral, Birendra Kumar Yadav, Avaniendra Chakravartty, Paras Kumar Pokharel

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Depression is the most common form of mental disorder among inmates, with a prevalence much higher than in the general population. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of depression among inmates and identify factors associated with it.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jhumka Regional Prison, the largest prison in eastern Nepal, from September 2014 to August 2015. A total of 434 randomly selected inmates were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire examining socio-demographic characteristics, detention status, self-reported health problems, substance use status, and suicidal ideation. Depression was screened using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the association between depression and related variables.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 35.7 years (SD 13.3). The prevalence of depression among the inmates was 35.3%. Approximately 2.3% reported suicidal ideation during imprisonment and 0.9% had attempted suicide inside the prison. In bivariate analysis, depression was significantly associated with previous incarceration (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.05–3.47, p = 0.033), poor self-rated health (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.16–2.64, p = 0.007), frequent appointments when encountering health problems (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.06–2.61, p = 0.028), suicidal ideation (OR = 4.44, 95%CI = 1.13–17.44, p = 0.038) and loss of weight (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.00–2.23, p = 0.049). However, only previous incarceration (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04–3.74, p = 0.037) and frequent appointments when encountering health problems (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.01–2.57, p = 0.046) remained significant in a multivariate model.

Conclusions

This study showed a high rate of depression among inmates in Nepal. The results suggest a need for psychiatric and rehabilitative care in correctional settings to improve the health status of the inmates.
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Metadata
Title
Depression among inmates in a regional prison of eastern Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors
Gambhir Shrestha
Deepak Kumar Yadav
Nidesh Sapkota
Dharanidhar Baral
Birendra Kumar Yadav
Avaniendra Chakravartty
Paras Kumar Pokharel
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1514-9

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