The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has published a report that shows nearly one third of all prison entrants suffer from a mental health issue.

 

The Mental health of prison entrants in Australia: 2010 shows that 31 per cent of prion entrants report ever being told by a doctor, nurse, psychiatrist or psychologist that they had a mental health disorder, including drug and alcohol abuse.

 

“This is about 2.5 times higher than the general population,” said AIHW spokesperson Tim Beard.

 

The study draws on previously collected data from the 2010 National Prisoner Health Census. At the time of the 2010 census, 16 per cent of respondents reported that they were taking medication for a mental health disorder, while 14 per cent reported experiencing very high levels of stress.

 

“Prison entrants with a history of a mental health disorder have poorer socioeconomic and health characteristics than those without,” Mr Beard said.

 

“For example, two-thirds were either unemployed or unable to work due to disability, age or other condition.”

 

According to the survey, prison entrants with a history of mental health disorders had more extensive criminal histories, with about one third of those being imprisoned five or more times.

 

According to the AIHW, this group was significantly more likely to engage in risky health behaviors, including illicit drug use, smoking and drinking dangerous quantities of alcohol.

 

“Risky health behaviours are particularly prevalent among those taking medication for a mental health disorder,” Mr Beard said.

 

“Among these, three-quarters had used illicit drugs in the last 12 months, more than half consumed alcohol at risky levels and nearly 90% smoked.”

 

About 1 in 3 prison entrants taking medication for a mental health disorder had visited the prison clinic for a mental health issue during the two-week National Prisoner Health Census, with nearly half visiting on three or more occasions.