The association between a self-reported history of mental health problems and a history of parasuicide in a sample of UK male prisoners.
BACKGROUND
Prisoner parasuicide is a major public and mental health concern worldwide and within the United Kingdom.


OBJECTIVE
This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the association between a self-reported history of mental health problems and a history of parasuicide in male prisoners.


METHODS
A total sample of 192 convicted prisoners who were about to be released from a local category "B" prison in the UK were approached and asked to complete the "Toolkit for Healthcare Needs Assessment in Prisons" which contained a range of demographic, mental and physical health questions. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) were determined using logistic regression.


RESULTS
Fifty-one prisoners participated. The unadjusted odds ratio for having a self-reported history of mental health problems and a self-reported history of parasuicide was 15.6 (95% C.I., 2.96-82.16). Following adjustment for age, living alone, homelessness, illegal drug use and alcohol problems the odds ratio was 11.32 (95% C.I., 1.80-71.13).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides good evidence of an association between a history of mental health problems and a history of parasuicide in a group of UK male prisoners.
Black
Damien
D
School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, UK.
James
Mark
M
Evan
Robert
R
Rogers
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology