Nigerian prisoners’ experience: prison circumstances, family support and sleep quality
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 18 October 2023
Issue publication date: 28 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the association between prison circumstances, perceived family support and sleep quality among male inmates at the Ibara prison, Ogun State.
Design/methodology/approach
It was a cross-sectional study of 300 male inmates interviewed with socio-demographic proforma and Pittsburgh sleep quality index.
Findings
While all respondents described the prison as being overcrowded, half of them used inappropriate sleeping materials daily and 41.4% decried a very noisy environment at night. Twenty-seven percent of the respondents described poor family support while 47.3% experienced poor sleep quality. Though nature of sleeping material and self-awareness of sleep problem were associated with poor sleep quality, no predictor of the latter was identified.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted among males only because of the relative dominance of the male gender in the prison population. This makes analysis of gender difference impossible. Furthermore, sleep studies may be preferred over reports by some sleep experts.
Practical implications
Findings from this study may culminate in taking steps to improve the Nigerian prison conditions as well as the prisoner’s welfare.
Social implications
Developing support group for relatives of inmates may be a focus of social intervention for these inmates. Also, inmates with good sleep quality are likely to partake effectively in the prison reformation programmes and may not self-medicate with sedatives.
Originality/value
This study provides a scholarly documentation of the state of Nigerian prisons; inmates’ perception of family support; prevalence and correlates of poor sleep quality among a group of male inmates.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The prisoners and staff at the correctional facility where the study was conducted are gratefully acknowledged by the authors.
Funding claims: The first author's personal funds were used to pay for this effort. No financial help or support was given by anyone or any organization.
Citation
Fakorede, O.O., Onifade, P.O., Majekodunmi, O.E. and DadeMatthews, A.O. (2023), "Nigerian prisoners’ experience: prison circumstances, family support and sleep quality", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 524-535. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-09-2021-0096
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited