Title: Mental Health Disorders and Interventions among inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres: A Systematic Review
Authors: Okpako Ochuko Ernest Ph.D, Victor Ayodeji Fehintola Ph.D
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 73-84
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Mental health of incarcerated populations represents a critical public health challenge worldwide, with inmates consistently demonstrating significantly higher rates of psychiatric disorders compared to the general population. This systematic review examined the prevalence, patterns, and interventions for mental health disorders among inmates in Nigerian correctional centres, revealing substantial gaps in both research and clinical care. Through a comprehensive analysis of 21 studies encompassing 4,847 participants across multiple Nigerian states, the findings demonstrate alarmingly high prevalence rates of mental health disorders ranging from 35.5% to 80.6%, with depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder emerging as the most prevalent conditions. The review identified significant deficiencies in mental health screening, diagnosis and treatment within Nigerian correctional facilities, despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of targeted interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and group-based psychosocial interventions. This emphasizes the need for mental health reform in Nigeria's correctional systems and to that end, the evidence based screening protocol, staffing and treatment should adequately cover immediate psychiatric need and long term rehabilitation plan.