Perceived stigma, social support and depression among prison inmates in Northwest Ethiopia: Using structural equation modeling

Background: There is a well-established empirical association between mental health problems and imprisonment. Depression is a widespread mental health condition that affects a variety of demographic groups, particularly individuals who are in prison. Among inmates, depression occurs much more frequently than in the general community, which puts them at a higher risk of suicide. Hence, the current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of depression and its correlated factors among incarcerated individuals in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 410 prisoners who were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to evaluate depression through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The direct, indirect, and total effects of predictors on depression have been examined using a Structural Equation Model. The standardized regression coefficient, 95 % confidence interval, and p-value <0.05 were used to determine the significance of the correlation. Results: This study revealed that depression affected 54.6 % of incarcerated individuals (95 % CI: 49.76, 59.41). Social support had a positive direct effect (β= 0.184, 95 % CI: 0.052, 0.309) and a negative indirect effect on depression (β= −0.025, 95 % CI:0.066, −0.002). Perceived stigma mediated the association between social support and depression and significantly correlated with depression (β=−0.158, 95 % CI:0.290, −0.027). Chronic medical illness (β=−0.127, 95 % CI: 0.028, 0.237) had a direct association with depression. Conclusions: In the current study, depression was reported in more than half of imprisoned people. Accordingly, incarcerated individuals need more attention, early screening, and intervention for depression by enhancing the provision of mental health services in correctional institutions.