Prevalence and risk factors of mental health symptoms of individuals in different detention settings : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The prevalence of mental health symptoms is substantially higher in incarcerated individuals than in the general public. However, little is known how different types of incarceration, including pre-trial and correctional detention as well as detention exclusively for deportation proceedings (administrative detention), are associated with mental health symptoms. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of mental health symptoms in this vulnerable population and examine the impact of different types of detention as well as risk factors on their mental health symptoms. Methods Combining two cross-sectional surveys, we assembled a diverse sample of adult individuals incarcerated in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. The surveys were conducted in police detention facilities for provisional arrest and in correctional, pre-trial, and administrative detention facilities between July and October 2022 and 2023, respectively. We employed the brief symptom checklist (BSCL) to assess current mental health symptoms, and demographic questionnaires captured relevant risk factors. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations with mental health symptoms. Results Of the eligible N = 1,868 individuals, N = 951 provided sufficient data (completion rate = 50.9%). Our samples were largely representative regarding age, sex, and type of incarceration. Prevalence estimates revealed that almost half of the incarcerated individuals experienced clinically relevant mental health symptoms (44.9%, 95% uncertainty interval (UI): 41.7–48.1%). Risk factors included age, gender, and prior mental health treatment, with younger individuals, female and individuals identifying as non-binary, as well as those who have been treated for a mental health problem before at a two- to threefold greater risk than their counterparts. Types of incarceration demonstrated distinct associations, with individuals in provisional arrest and administrative detention facing a fourfold greater risk. Conclusions Our findings underscore the substantial prevalence of mental health symptoms among incarcerated individuals and highlight specific risk factors associated with this vulnerable population. Addressing the mental health needs of female and individuals indentifying as non-binary, and those in provisional arrest or administrative detention is crucial for effective correctional practices. These insights underline the importance of implementing standard screening procedures and tailored interventions to improve mental health outcomes in diverse detention settings.