Suicide, suicide attempts and self-harm in Moroccan prisons

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• High rates of suicide and self-harm are documented in Western prisons.
• Limited research exists on these issues in non-Western correctional settings.
• Understanding these behaviors in diverse contexts is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the rates of suicide, non-fatal suicide attempts, and self-harm in Moroccan prisons.
• To investigate the context, methods, tools, predictors, and profiles associated with these incidents.
• To establish a baseline for an intervention project aimed at improving prison safety.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining literature review, analysis of suicide case files, and a quantitative survey.
• Inclusion of qualitative data through interviews and focus group discussions with prison staff.
• Calculation of suicide, suicide attempt, and self-harm rates, with regression analysis for predictor identification.

Main Results:

• Over four years, 29 deaths by suicide were recorded (annual rate: 8.7/100,000), predominantly among men under 30, with hanging as the primary method.
• One year saw 230 reported suicide attempts, and a three-month period documented 110 self-harm cases, with cutting being most common.
• Self-harm was more frequent in individuals serving life sentences or with prior incarcerations.

Conclusions:

• This study provides essential data for developing a national prison policy and training programs for staff in Morocco.
• Findings highlight the need for improved surveillance systems and informed policymaking regarding in-custody suicide and self-harm.
• Qualitative insights revealed staff's potential to trivialize self-harm, leading to targeted training and the development of staff advocates.