Substance use disorders among adults during imprisonment in a medium security prison: Prevalence and risk indicators
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health
Abstract
Background: Research shows that the prevalence of
substance use disorders among the prison population is
high globally. Although prisons are highly controlled environments, access to drugs and other substances in prison
remains a major problem. Yet, previous research is focused
mainly on the Western context, with the studies gener ally reporting on lifetime prevalence without reference
to whether the disorders are manifest even within the
controlled environment.
Aims: To estimate the prevalence of substance use disorders evident while in prison in Ghana and associated risk
indicators. For these purposes, substance use disorder was
defined by any indication of dependency, or escalating use
or socially problematic use during the 12 months of imprisonment prior to the interview.
Methods: The study involved 500 adults (443 men and
57 women) in a medium-security prison in Ghana who had
served at least 1 year of a prison sentence. Participants'
alcohol use disorder was assessed separately from other
substance use disorders which included cannabis, cocaine
and other stimulants using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI); it is a structured interview and
diagnostic tool for major psychiatric and substance use
disorders in DSM-5 and ICD-10. Results: Two percent of the 500 participants had used alco hol to the level of alcohol use disorder, and 6% had other
substance use disorders in 12 months prior to interview and
while in prison. Cannabis (4%) and stimulants (3%) were the
most frequently reported substance use disorders. Logistic
regression model estimates indicate that younger age, prior
offending and alcohol use dependence were significantly
associated with such disorders in prison.
Conclusion: In spite of efforts to prevent substance use in
prison, nearly one in 10 of these prisoners were using alcohol or illicit drugs to a level indicative of substance use disorders. Our findings suggest that prioritising brief assessment
may help identify those in most need of clinical help to limit
their alcohol and illicit substance use problems.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
alcohol, prevalence, prison, prison, substance use disorder
Citation
How to cite this article: Donnir, G. M., Asare-Doku, W., & Boakye, K. E. (2023). Substance use disorders among adults during imprisonment in a medium security prison: Prevalence and risk indicators. Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health, 33(1), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.2273