Social and economic characteristics of inmates
Table 1 shows the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics. The sample consisted of 381 participants. The mean age of participants was 27.95 ± 7.08 years with a majority, (n=320, 84.0%) aged 15-34 years. Most were male (n=364, 95.5%), and a large percentage (n=242, 63.5%) had completed secondary education. The vast majority was Christian (n=358, 94.0%), and Tiv (n=251, 65.9%) was the dominant tribe.
A high percentage (n=313, 82.2%) was employed before the arrest; of these, 298 (95.2%) were self-employed. The overall mean income was N39, 301 (109 USD) with more than half, (n=182, 58.2%) earning between N20, 000 – N100, 000 (55.5 – 277.8 USD) monthly.
Experience of the criminal justice system
Table 2 describes the participants’ experience with the criminal justice system. Some of the participants, (n=182, 47.8%) had spent 5-20 days in police custody while 207 (54.3%) had spent >150 days in prison. A high proportion, (n=171, 44.9%) were charged with armed robbery. Almost all the participants, 377 (99.0%) were awaiting trial. Of those in detention, (n=38, 10.1%) were yet to appear in court. Most, (n=255, 67.6%) indicated that they have a lawyer. Most of the lawyers, (n=209, 82.0%) were paid counsel. Slightly greater than half, (n=185, 52.0%) were satisfied with their representation. The majority of the participants, (n=260, 78.9%) indicated that their case had been adjourned on a number of occasions.
Some of the participants, 63 (16.9%) had a history of previous arrests. Thirty-three (52.4%) of these had a history of a single previous arrest. Reasons reported for re-offending include joblessness (11.1% of re-offenders); lack of capital (9.5%); lack of skills (4.8%); coercion by a gang (6.3%), and perception of crime being more profitable (3.2%).
Experience and social consequences of incarceration
Table 3 shows the experience and social consequences of incarceration. Most of the participants, (n=331, 86.9%) rated the food as poor. Although, 244 (64.0%) indicated that accommodation was well given, 197 (51.7%) indicated that they slept on the bare floor. Over half, (n=212, 55.6%) were satisfied with the clothing provided, but 190 (49.9%) had only one set of clothing and 156 (40.9%) had been wearing the same set for over six months. Few of the participants, (n=44, 11.5%) participated in recreation and sports, and 367 (96.3%) had no access to educational rehabilitation. Most, (n=352, 92.4%) reported that they had freedom of worship.
Many of the participants, (n=91, 23.9%) never have visitors. For those who have visitors, parents 147 (26.2%) and other relatives 170 (30.4%) made up the majority of visitors.
Table 4 shows the perceived social consequences of imprisonment. The greatest impact of imprisonment on the family was social embarrassment (n=276, 44.7%). The most painful loss suffered was the loss of a job (n=191, 39.6%). Most, (n=321, 84.3%) became more religious while a small but notable percentage (n=60, 15.7%) reported they had lost their faith in God. About one third, (n=120, 31.5%) anticipated difficulty with future employment.
Emotional responses include the beliefs that their experience in prison made them better people (n=268, 28.5%); that the government had been unfair to them (n=233, 24.7%); that nobody cared (n=179, 19%); and anger and bitterness toward society (n=152, 16.4%).
Mental health care structures
Table 5 shows mental health care structures available for inmates in prison. Eight (2.1%) of the participants had mental health problems before imprisonment. Six (1.6%) were on medication for a mental or emotional problem at the time of imprisonment. Twenty-seven (7.1%) of the participants were identified as suffering a mental disorder by prison health authorities. Of these, (n=15, 3.9%) were diagnosed with depressive disorder. Only four (1.0%) of those identified with a mental disorder were placed on medication, while 26 (6.8%) had received professional counseling since admission in prison.
Over half, (n=198, 52.0%), of the participants were dissatisfied with the prison health care. Using PHQ9, 144 (37.8%) of the participants met the criteria for depression.
Exploratory analysis
Table 6 shows association between depression and participant characteristics. There was a significantly greater rate of depression among those who were employed before arrest (39.9%) compared to 27.9% among those who were not employed (χ2=3.42, p=0.04). There was a significantly greater rate of depression among those earned <20,000 Naira average monthly income (48.3%) compared to 33.1% among those who earned >20,000 Naira (χ2=8.03, p=0.003). There was a significantly greater rate of depression among those who were dissatisfied with the healthcare provided in prison (44.4%) compared to 30.6% among those who were satisfied (χ2=7.75, p=0.006). There was a significantly greater rate of depression among those who had spent 31-150 days in prison (48.3%) compared to 34.8% and 30.4% among those who had spent ≤30days and >150 days respectively (χ2=12.01, p=0.002).