Aboriginal mothers in prison in Australia: a study of social, emotional and physical wellbeing

© 2019 The Authors Objective: To describe the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal mothers in prison. Methods: Cross-sectional survey, including a Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (5-item version) administered to Aboriginal women who self-identified as mothers. Results: Seventy-seven Aboriginal mothers in New South Wales (NSW) and 84 in Western Australia (WA) participated in the study. Eighty-three per cent (n=59) of mothers in NSW were in prison for drug-related offences, 64.8% (n=46) of mothers in WA were in prison for offences committed under the influence of alcohol. Sixty-eight per cent (n=52) of mothers in NSW and 35% (n=28) of mothers in WA reported mental health problems. Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) component scores of SF-12 varied for mothers in NSW and WA. Mothers in NSW experienced poorer health and functioning than mothers in WA (NSW: PCS 49.5, MCS 40.6; WA: PCS 54.4, MCS 48.3) and high levels of psychological distress (NSW: 13.1; WA 10.1). Conclusions: Aboriginal mothers in prison have significant health needs associated with physical and mental health, and psychological distress. Implications for public health: Adoption of social and emotional wellbeing as an explanatory framework for culturally secure healthcare in prison is essential to improving health outcomes of Aboriginal mothers in prison in Australia

Mental health and substance use disorders: The reality of youth in custody

Young offenders experience a higher prevalence of mental health disorders and substance use disorders than the general population, estimated to be between 70% and 90%. (Indig et al. 2011; Kenny et al., 2006; Lader et al., 2000; Teplin et al., 2002). In addition, comorbidities affect many young offenders, with over 60% presenting with two or more disorders (Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network and Juvenile Justice NSW, 2015). The prevalence of mental health disorders is higher among females, with young female offenders more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as substance-induced disorders (Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network and Juvenile Justice NSW, 2015)