Insomnia and quality of life of prisoners at a Nigerian maximum-security prison
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 15 July 2021
Issue publication date: 17 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the prevalence of insomnia as well as its association with the quality of life of the inmates in a Nigerian prison. Prisoners are a disadvantaged group of people whose needs are often unmet. Many authors have focussed on investigating the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity, as well as substance use among prisoners. However, sleep disorders, which can predispose or precipitate psychiatric disorders, have been largely neglected in research. The relationship between insomnia and quality of life (QoL) among the general population has been documented but similar investigations have yet to be conducted among the prisoner population.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a cross-sectional study with 300 male prisoners at the Ibara prison, Abeokuta, Nigeria who were not diagnosed with depressive, generalized anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorders. Each respondent was interviewed with a sociodemographic proforma, Insomnia module of the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry and the brief World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire.
Findings
About half of the respondents (45.7%) met diagnostic criteria for insomnia. A diagnosis of insomnia and some sleep-related variables were significantly associated with QoL.
Research limitations/implications
All the possible correlates of insomnia could not be investigated. Further research should be conducted to identify more correlates and investigate the impact of insomnia on prisoners’ lives.
Practical implications
Improvement of prison climate (relationships in prison, safety and order, contact with the outside world, facilities, meaningful activities and autonomy) may mitigate insomnia among prisoners. Prison psychiatry in Nigerian correctional centres should be made a priority.
Social implications
The findings have brought to light the need to address the current social welfare system in place for Nigerian correctional centres.
Originality/value
The study provided information on the prevalence of insomnia and poor QoL among prisoners in a Nigerian correctional facility.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the inmates and authorities at the correctional centre where the study was conducted. Funding statements: This work was funded from the personal savings of the 1st author. No grant or support was received form any individual or organisation.Conflict of interest: None.
Citation
Fakorede, O.O., Onifade, P.O., Majekodunmi, O.E., Ogunwale, A. and DadeMatthews, A.O. (2021), "Insomnia and quality of life of prisoners at a Nigerian maximum-security prison", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 574-585. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-12-2020-0097
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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