Abstract:
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 middleincome
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.
