Use of alcohol and other drugs and mental health in imprisoned female population

Abstract

Previous research carried out at international level has shown a high prevalence of the use of alcohol and other drugs and mental disorders among females deprived of their liberty. However, it is not common to find studies that analyse the association between both aspects. The sample of the current study consisted of 143 women deprived of liberty in two prisons in the Region of Murcia, who voluntarily completed a questionnaire that included information on demographics, prison, alcohol and other drug use prior to and during prison (adapted from the ASSIST questionnaire), as well as depression, anxiety, and stress in prison (using the DASS-21 questionnaire). The inmates who reported depression, anxiety, and stress showed a higher prevalence of alcohol and other drug use compared to those who did not, and regression analysis showed statistically significant associations.