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Children within the juvenile justice system in Nigeria: psychopathology and psychosocial needs

T T Bella1, O Atilola1, O O Omigbodun2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Annals of Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine
|August 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Incarcerated Nigerian children exhibit profound psychosocial needs and psychopathology, including anxiety and depression. Urgent, collaborative intervention is crucial for their mental health and well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Children in Nigeria face significant challenges including poverty, family instability, and poor health, contributing to juvenile delinquency and institutionalization.
  • These adverse conditions impede healthy development and life aspirations, highlighting a critical need for support services.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the psychosocial needs of incarcerated children in Nigeria.
  • To determine the types of psychopathology present in this vulnerable population at the Ibadan remand home.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
  • Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to incarcerated children and adolescents.

Main Results:

  • All 59 participants (100%) presented with significant psychosocial needs across support, economic, social, and educational domains.
  • A high prevalence of psychopathology (97%) was observed, with anxiety, suicidal ideation, and depressive symptoms being most common.
  • The majority (90%) of children were identified as being in need of care and protection.

Conclusions:

  • Incarcerated children in Nigeria exhibit urgent and significant mental health needs requiring immediate attention.
  • Addressing these needs necessitates a collaborative approach involving mental health professionals and child care stakeholders.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenJuvenileNigeriaPsychopathologyPsychosocial

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