Factors Affecting Mental Health among Females Prisoners in Chonburi Women’s Correctional Institution

Abstract

The objectives of this research and development study were to examine factors affecting mental health and to give recommendations for mental health promotion program for female prisoners in Chonburi women's correctional institution. The research used a mixed method methodology. For a qualitative part, persons provided information in the in-depth interviews were three administrators from Chonburi women's correctional institution. For quantitative part, information was obtained through questionnaires interviewed with 300 female prisoners selected using a purposive sampling method recommended by the chief-executive officer of Chonburi women's correctional Institution. Information was used to improve mental health promotion program for female prisoners in Chonburi women's correctional institution

Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze prisoner’s welfare, prisoner’s quality of life and prisoner’s mental health. The results showed that prison environments, intra-institute activities, fundamental needs, prisoner’s promotion parole, and life safety affected prisoner’s mental health with all independent variables between prisoner’s welfare and prisoner’s quality of life had adjusted R-square of 65 percent.

Findings and recommendations from this study were presented to the institute administrators. Five key factors for improving prisoner’s mental health were 1) improved service system, 2) improved prisoner’s quality of life, 3) in-depth mental health care and rehabilitation, 4) after acquittal supporting program, and 5) Effective evaluating tools.