Determinants of Prison Experience among Homicide and Non-Homicide Offenders in Nigeria
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Abstract:
Background: Large numbers of stimuli
are contained within the prison environment which can impact both the behaviour
and attitudes of inmates within it. This inmate-environment interaction has implication
for the safety and overall well-being of inmates.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the differences between homicide and
non-homicide offenders in relation to effects of prison environmental factors. The relationship between these
factors and socio-demographic factors was also explored and compared between
both groups of offenders.
Methods: A case-control study design was employed with 102 homicide and an
equal number of non-homicide offenders. Each participant was interviewed using
a questionnaire
for ascertaining socio-demographic characteristics as well as the Prison
Environment Inventory for inmates concerns within the prison.
Results:
A significant association was found in all prison environment
subscales between offender groups except safety (p = 0.060) and privacy (p =
0.084) with homicide offenders having better total overall score in the prison
environment. A younger age and higher educational attainment were associated
with better prison experience.
Conclusion:
The study found an overall better
adjustment in homicide offenders compared to their non-homicide counterparts. However, prison administrators have a role in
improving specific aspects of prisoner experience for both homicide and non-homicide
offenders during incarceration.
Keywords: Prison, Environment, Homicide, Nigeria, Maximum security.
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