Prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and major depression among correctional officers in a Nigerian prison

Abstract

The psychological well-being of Nigerian correctional officers had been scarcely examined despite its health and socio-legal implications. This descriptive cross-sectional study among 302 Nigerian prison officers aimed to determine the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder and major depression, as well as their socio-demographic and work-related correlates. The 6-month prevalence rate of generalized anxiety disorder and 12-month prevalence rate of major depression were 2.3 and 4.0%, respectively. These prevalence rates were higher than those found in the general population. Respondents who participated frequently in religious activities were less likely to experience major depression than those who participated in festivals/ceremonies. These findings suggest the need to focus on strategies to prevent and treat anxiety and depressive disorders among correctional officers. It also raises the possibility of exploring helpful coping styles such as religious activities in preventing these disorders among this sampled population as well as other vulnerable occupational groups.

Keywords:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• major depression
• correctional officers
• Nigeria