Evaluation of Mental Health, gender and social education in female inmates from the Rehabilitation Center for women El Buen Pastor in Barranquilla (Colombia)

Abstract

Objective: is to study the characteristics of female inmates in the Women’s Rehabilitation Center El Buen Pastor in Barranquilla, Colombia, focusing on gender based on an action program with emphasis on mental health and social education. Methodology: The type of study is Action-Research. It consists of a mixed approach as Descriptive Statistics techniques were employed and the study is based on the framework of a Multiple-Case Comparison Design. Sampling was done intentionally due to the demand of psychological consultation from 18 out of 130 female inmates from the Rehabilitation Center. Results: The following disorders were identified among the interviewed inmates: Considerably severe Depressive Disorders, Disorders with Panic Attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Traumatic events and history of victimization and substance and alcohol abuse were also identified. It is important to note that in some of the cases the alcohol and substance abuse was already present at the moment of internment; whilst in other cases it began during their internment. Conclusions: Through the interviews it becomes evident that the separation from their children, specifically not being present during their raising and upbringing, constitutes an important risk factor for Depressive Disorders in inmates who were mothers. On the other hand, in inmates without offspring the distress associated with the inability to work or carry out productive activities to help their parents economically was the main risk factor. Psychoactive substance abuse and interment also constitute risk factors associated with the chronification of mental disorders. © 2016, Universidad del Norte. All rights reserved.