The suggestion for addressing on stress among prisoners : case study of female prisoners convicted of drug crimes in Nakhon Pathom Central Prison

Abstract

          This research aims to achieve three primary objectives: firstly, to evaluate stress levels among female prisoners; secondly, to explore the relationships between individual factors and stress among female prisoners; and thirdly, to propose strategies for enhancing their mental well-being. The study employed a quantitative research method using secondary data from stress assessments, utilizing the Department of Mental Health’s Stress Process Screening Tool (SPST-20). The respondents consisted of 211 female prisoners convicted of drug crimes, representing 95.05 percent of the total population. Data analysis employed the mean of each item to determine the relationship between personal factors and stress. Statistical tests for differences included F-values (F-test), one-way ANOVA testing, and correlation analysis. Additionally, a qualitative study was conducted through focus groups using the KJ Method to identify ways to reduce stress among prisoners.
The study found that the majority of female prisoners, accounting for 43.60% of respondents, experienced moderate stress, which is considered a normal level of stress. The findings also indicated that age is related to stress levels, with younger prisoners experiencing more stress than older prisoners. Additionally, the top three stress factors for prisoners were financial constraints (mean = 2.45), back pain (mean = 2.40), and unilateral headaches (mean = 2.37). While Nakhon Pathom Central Prison provides good mental health care for prisoners, further measures should be considered: (1) providing knowledge of stress management and organizing activities to reduce stress for prisoners, (2) increasing various welfare provisions to meet needs, (3) career skills development, (4) cultivating values in accordance with the philosophy of sufficiency economy, (5) monitoring at-risk groups, especially young prisoners, (6) recruiting and inviting volunteers knowledgeable in mental health, and (7) strengthening partnerships with various sectors to expand prison activities.