The experience of mental health patients in prisons. A case of Mutare Remand Prison.

Author

Mafara, Courage

Title

The experience of mental health patients in prisons. A case of Mutare Remand Prison.

Abstract

The study analysed the perceived causes of mental health challenges at Mutare Remand Prison. The main objectives were to identify the challenges faced by mental health patients in prisons and explore the Strategies to address the challenges faced by mental health patients in prisons. The Social Ecology model was used to bring more light on the social and environmental factors that inspire the challenges faced by mental health patients in prisons. Case study research designed was used during this research. Data was collected using key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The target population comprised of mild mental health patients from different sections at Mutare Remand Prison and stakeholders who were selected as key informants. The focus group discussions were done to complement the information provided by keys informants. The research findings showed that the causes of mental health challenges in prisons they include overcrowding and poor living conditions, negligence from relatives and friends and also that, the challenges faced by mental health patients in prisons were limited access to mental health services linguistic and cultural barriers. It was also noted that collaborating with mental health providers, community organization and correction staffs, ensure cultural competence can be strategies to address the challenges faced by mental health patients at Mutare Remand Prison.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Mental Health Patients

Mutare Remand Prison

Prisons

Supervisor

Mr. F. Sadomba