Abstract
Research suggests that prison populations are disproportionately
affected by mental illness compared to the general population.
However, little research has examined how contextual factors
surrounding the prison experience are associated with depression
and/or substance use among first-time inmates. Even fewer studies
have explored these contextual factors, particularly connectivity
and the prison environment, in low- and middle-income country
(LMIC) prison settings. The current study examines associations
between connectivity, the prison environment, and mental illness,
specifically major depression, alcohol use and drug use among
first-time male inmates (n=593) in three Mexico City, Mexico
prisons. Severe depression (46.2%) and drug use (53.8%) was
reported by approximately half of respondents, while alcohol use
(7.9%) was less prevalent. Conjugal visits, visitations, prison
employment, physical attacks, cellmates and sentence time served
were all found to be significantly associated with severe
depression or substance use, suggesting that mental illness among
inmates is influenced by differential exposures in prison rather
than confinement alone. These findings can inform mental health
policy regarding adjustment to prison as well as prevention and
treatment strategies in prison settings.
Table of Contents
Chapter I: Introduction...1
Objectives & Aims...2
Mental Health in Prison Settings...2
First-time Inmates....5
Prisons in Mexico...5
Chapter II: Literature Review...10
Psychological Effects of Imprisonment...10
Depression...18
Substance Use...22
Connectivity and Deprivation...25
Prison Environment...28
Gaps in the Literature...30
Chapter III: Manuscript...32
Background...36
Study Design & Methods...39
Measurements & Analysis...40
Results...43
Discussion...46
References...52
Appendix: Tables...56
Chapter IV: Recommendations...60
Public Health Implications...60
References...70
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