Lifetime Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders among Correctional Officers in a Prison Formation in Abeokuta Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

Earlier studies of Correctional Officers have already shown the relationships between work environment and mental health. However, most have not evaluated the prevalence of specific psychiatric morbidity among officers who work in the prison environment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DSM-IV/ICD-10 Axis I psychiatric disorders among correctional officials in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria. A census of all Correctional Officers was conducted at the first stage, during which they were screened for psychiatric morbidity. Those screened positive and 15% of those who were negative were evaluated for definite psychiatric morbidity. The most common mental health disorder was Generalized Anxiety Disorder followed by Major Depressive Disorder, while the least common disorders were Bipolar Disorder (Mania), and Social Phobia. Correctional Officers are at risk of experiencing psychiatry morbidity and as such mental health strategies including education and screening should be integrated into the health management culture of the prison organization for the purpose of prevention and early intervention.