Children within the Juvenile Justice System in Nigeria: Psychopathology and Psychosocial Needs
Annals of Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine
; 8(1): 40-46, 2010.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1259428
Responsible library:
CG1.1
RESUMO
Background:
Many children in Nigeria face a life of poverty; family instability; inadequate educational opportunities and poor physical and mental health which hinder their ability to develop into healthy adults; live an improved quality of life or fulfil their life aspirations. These factors have also been associated with juvenile delinquency and need for institutional care.Objectives:
As a step toward providing comprehensive services for incarcerated children in Nigeria; this study aimed to identify the psychosocial needs as well as types of psychopathology among a group of incarcerated children at the Ibadan remand home.Methods:
A cross-sectional survey of children and adolescents at the Ibadan remand home was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire.Results:
A total of 59 children were assessed over a one year period. Majority (90) were in need of care and protection. All (100) had significant psychosocial needs presenting as difficulty with their primary support; economic; social environment; or educational systems. Majority (97) also demonstrated significant psychopathology and anxiety; suicidal and depressive symptoms were the most commonly elicited.Conclusions:
Incarcerated children in this study showed significant mental health needs which need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. This should be carried out through the collaborative efforts of mental health professionals with various stakeholders in child care
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Psychopathology
/
Social Justice
/
Juvenile Delinquency
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
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