Co-Morbidity of Conditions Among Prisoners

Abstract

Eighty seven adult prisoners (58 males, 29 females) completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and a questionnaire on current health in order to examine both the prevalence of co-morbid conditions and the relation of depression and anxiety to ill-health and prior substance use. High prevalence rates of co-morbid conditions were detected among prisoners, with substance use history identified as the primary contributor to co-morbidity. In addition, better perceived mental health was associated with lower depression among prisoners, and a higher number of mental health conditions was associated with greater anxiety. Implications of co-morbid conditions of ill-health for the support of prisoners are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• co-morbidity
• mental health
• physical health
• prisoner
• substance use

This project was funded by a research grant from the Victorian Department of Justice and WISE Employment Limited. We thank the program staff for their support and the participants for their willingness to be involved in the project.

Notes

^a Calculation of the number of drugs used incorporated a measure of overuse of alcohol.

^b Calculation of the number of mental health conditions excluded a diagnosis of depression.

∗p < .05. ∗∗p < .01. ∗∗∗p < .001.

^a Calculation of the number of drugs used incorporated a measure of overuse of alcohol.

^b Calculation of the number of mental health conditions excluded a diagnosis of anxiety.

∗p < .05. ∗∗p < .01.

^a Calculation of the number of drugs used incorporated a measure of overuse of alcohol.

^b Calculation of the number of mental health conditions excluded a diagnosis of depression.

∗∗p < .01.

^a Calculation of the number of mental health conditions excluded a diagnosis of anxiety.

^b Calculation of the number of drugs used incorporated a measure of overuse of alcohol.

∗p < .01.