DEMOGRAPHY AND PARENTING DOMAINS: THE REAL CULPRITS  BEHIND DELINQUENCY AMONG JUVENILES IN CAMP JAIL LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Background: Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern in Pakistan, with the highest rates reported in Punjab. Identifying risk factors associated with delinquent behavior is crucial for implementing preventive measures and rehabilitation programs. Family structure, parenting behaviors, socioeconomic status, and educational background have been suggested as potential determinants of juvenile criminal tendencies. However, limited research has explored these associations in Pakistan. This study aims to examine the influence of social structures and behaviors while assessing the relationship between demographic variables and juvenile delinquency. Objective: To evaluate the impact of disrupted parenting structures, family behaviors, and demographic factors on the severity and type of juvenile delinquency among incarcerated adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional, prison-based census study was conducted on 61 incarcerated juveniles at Camp Jail, Lahore, from August to December 2022. Eligible participants, aged 10-18 years, were enrolled after obtaining informed consent from jail authorities. Data were collected through structured personal interviews using a 46-item questionnaire. The responses were manually scored, with higher scores indicating greater delinquency severity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, with linear regression assessing predictors of delinquency severity and chi-square testing associations between demographic factors and crime type. Results: Among the 61 participants, 4 (6.6%) were aged 10-12 years, 18 (29.5%) were 13-15 years, and 39 (63.9%) were 16-18 years. A total of 17 (27.9%) juveniles had poor financial resources, while 44 (72.1%) had adequate resources. Nuclear family structures were predominant in 37 (60.7%) cases, whereas 24 (39.3%) belonged to joint/extended families. Educational background revealed that 41 (67.2%) were uneducated or school dropouts, and 20 (32.8%) were currently school-going. Crime type distribution showed that 19 (31.1%) juveniles were involved in murder or rape, while 42 (68.9%) committed other crimes, including theft, pornography, and drug-related offenses. The chi-square test indicated a significant association between age and type of crime (p=0.039), with older juveniles more likely to engage in gang-related offenses. Resource availability also influenced crime patterns, with juveniles from financially stable backgrounds being more involved in organized crimes (p=0.022). Nuclear family structures were linked to increased delinquency severity (p=0.010). The linear regression model showed that parenting structure score (β=0.234, p=0.050) and family behavior score (β=0.302, p=0.020) were significant predictors of delinquency severity (R=0.535, F=4.403, p=0.002). Conclusion: Disrupted parenting structures and disordered family behaviors significantly contribute to juvenile delinquency, while other social factors, such as media influence and peer groups, showed no significant impact. Demographic factors, including age, financial resources, and family structure, play a crucial role in determining crime type and delinquency severity. Addressing these risk factors through targeted interventions can help reduce juvenile crime rates and support rehabilitation efforts.