Govt Should Improve Living Conditions in Nigeria’s Prisons Says Mental Health Advocates

Through studies published in the International Journal of Prisoner Health, Dr. Adefunke DadeMatthews and Dr. Fakorede, mental health professionals and advocate,
have called for good living conditions in Nigeria’s prisons across the nation.

The duo have revealed how insomnia and poor sleep quality unsettle Nigerian prisoners in a recent study made available in a health journal.

The report addressed the neglected mental health challenges faced by inmates in Nigerian prisons and why urgent interventions is needed.

According to a statement, the first study, focusing on 300 male inmates at the Ibara prison in Abeokuta, Nigeria, reveals that 45.7% of respondents met diagnostic criteria for insomnia. It underscores the significant association between insomnia and compromised quality of life.

The findings, the statement quoted, highlight the urgent need for improved prison conditions, emphasizing the potential positive impact on inmates’ mental well-being.

DadeMatthews and Fakorede call for prioritizing forensic psychiatry in Nigerian correctional centers to address the high prevalence of insomnia and its adverse effects on inmates.

“Our studies focused on the prevalence and impact of insomnia and poor sleep quality among male inmates at the Ibara prison in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

These issues they said have been largely oyverlooked in previous research, and our findings shed light on their association with inmates’ overall well-being”, the researchers said.

Besides, the second study explores the circumstances within Nigerian prisons, emphasizing overcrowding, inappropriate sleeping materials, and a noisy environment at night.

Of the 300 male inmates surveyed, 41.4% experienced poor sleep quality, with factors like sleeping materials and self-awareness of sleep problems identified as contributors, the statement said.

The research underscores the importance of addressing prison conditions and enhancing family support to improve the overall well-being and rehabilitation prospects of inmates.

These studies provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by prisoners in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to prioritize reforms in prison conditions and mental health support.

The research emphasizes the critical role of social interventions and improved welfare in fostering rehabilitation and preventing self-medication among inmates.

On how the research will contribute to broader conversations on mental health in the African context, Dr. Adefunke DadeMatthews’ said: These studies provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by prisoners in Nigeria, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond traditional areas of focus. By prioritizing reforms in prison conditions and mental health support, we hope to contribute to the larger discourse on mental health in Africa.

She emphasizes the need for stakeholders to recognize and address the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals, advocating for comprehensive reforms that prioritize both the conditions within prisons and the well-being of the inmates.