Health related quality of life of older prisoners in Nigerian prisons

Abstract

Background The problem of ageing is not restricted to the free society; the prisons are beginning to see more inmates reaching their fifth decades and above. The reasons for the changes may differ, harsher sentencing and slow judicial processes may account for these changes in the prisons. Methods The study was a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study, involving the use of a structured questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and a semi-structured questionnaire that covered socio demographic data. Using the convenience sampling technique, the face-to-face interview was conducted in the clinic of the prison with a sample size of 96 inmates that were 50 years and above. Results Older male inmates formed 99% of the sample, with an average age of 52.8 years. Over 70% were married and most of them were between 50-54 years. Educational was found to be significantly related to their health related quality of life. The domains of mobility, self-care, usual activities and pain/discomfort were statistically significant on the EQ-5D-5L health related quality of life questionnaire. There was also, a significant difference in the chronic diseases prevalent in the prisons among the respondents. Age was also found to be a predictor of how they perceived their health status. Conclusion All the dimensions of health related quality of life except anxiety and depression were statistically significant. Health related quality of life of older prisoners is affected by, educational level, chronic disease conditions such as arthritis, memory deficits and cardiovascular conditions. Most of them were incarcerated because of violent crimes.