The prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among prisoners in Addis Ababa: an institution based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: About one in seven prisoners is diagnosed with common mental disorders whose global prevalence ranges from 13 to 92.5%. The problem negatively affects the physical, psychological, and social well-being of prisoners. However, research into common mental disorders and associated factors among prisoners in low and middle-income countries has been limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the common mental disorders and associated factors among prisoners in Ethiopia to contribute the attempt to ensure optimal care for prisoners. RESULTS: The prevalence of common mental disorders among prisoners was found to be 58.4% [95% CI 53.70, 63.00]. In the multivariable logistic regression, poor social support [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.16, 4.85], economic crisis [AOR = 3, 95% CI 1.84, 4.85], secondary school education [AOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.04, 5.20], unemployment before arrest [AOR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.04, 2.80], and history of psychiatric illness [AOR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.21, 15.56] were factors significantly associated with the problem. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4425-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.