Depression among Older Adult Prisoners at the Jos Central Prison- North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of depression and its correlates among Older Adult Prisoners at the Jos Central Prison, North Central Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive chart, conducted at the Jos Central prisons on eighty-six (86) older prisoners between June 2012 to December 2012. Bio-demographic data and history of any chronic medical condition as well as that of psychiatric condition were also obtained from their clinical records in the clinic located within the prison. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) on all the volunteers 50 years and above. The GDS measures cognitive, affective, functional state and a factor that reflects helplessness and fear for the future. The study was largely composed of male making up to 99%. The age range was between 50 to 75 years with a mean 54.36 (SD 3.24) with most of them between 50 to 60 years (90%). A quarter (25%) had not received any form of education while 7 out of 10 had received some form of education. Majority of them were employed (skilled or un-skilled employment) before incarceration. Only 2% were unemployed before their incarceration. Those incarcerated for violent crimes (65%) nearly doubled those in prison for non-violent crimes 35%. Occupational status, pre-existing medical conditions and the perception of their health status before incarceration were found to be statistically significant. Type of crimes committed was not statistically significant. Known chronic medical condition(s) was a risk factor in the inmates developing depression (P-value =0.009). In comparing the specific medical conditions with depression, significant findings were found (P-value= 0.003). The study revealed a prevalence of depression at 59% in older prisoners of 50 years and above. The significant predictors of depression include occupational status, pre-exisitng medical conditions, and the perception of their health status before incarceration were found to be statistically significant.