Depression and Suicidal Ideations among Prisoners of the Douala Central Prison

Abstract

Introduction: The prison environment is a conducive environment for the development of psychiatric pathologies such as depression and suicidal ideation. To date, no related study has been conducted in Douala, Cameroon. We have therefore undertaken to study the prevalence of these pathologies and their related factors among inmates of the Douala Central Prison. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 309 prisoners over a 6-month period from 1 January to 31 June 2022. This involved prisoners aged 18 years and over, who were consenting and able to read and write. Data were collected during individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. Depression was assessed by the BECK Short Form Depression Inventory and suicidal ideation was assessed by the MINI. These data were processed using the SPSS version 25.0 software. The related factors were studied in bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Most of the prisoners were male (97%), and more than half knew their criminal status. The prevalence of depression was 33.7% and that of suicide ideation was 22.7%. Among the factors associated with depression were receiving social visits and suicidal ideation. A history of physical/psychological abuse, repeated offences and prison violence were protective factors. Factors associated with suicidal ideation were the absence of social visits, physical abuse in childhood, smoking in prison and depression. Suicidal ideation was independently associated with depression as well as depression being independently associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: About 1/3 of the prisoners had depression and almost 1/4 had suicidal ideations. As a result of this and the related factors, there is a need to reorganize psychiatric care within our prison context.