Abstract

This study aims to identify the variables associated with self-reported physical and psychological symptoms and the perceived health status of inmate women in Portugal. Data collection took place in two female Portuguese prisons and participated in the study 232 women. Physical symptomatology was associated with having children, physical abuse in childhood, a higher number of chronic diseases, and anxiety. Older women, the experience of sexual abuse, and chronic diseases were associated with a worse perception of physical health. Psychological symptoms were higher in women that reported substance abuse before prison, chronic diseases, anxiety, and depression. Finally, a combination of the prior variables (sexual abuse, anxiety, and depression) and three additional variables (lower education level, not having contact with mental health services before prison, and being already sentenced) was associated with worse perceptions of mental health conditions. These findings can be used as a platform for future research, as well as a tool for prison policy regarding the particular gender health needs of inmate women.

摘要

本研究旨在确定与葡萄牙女囚自我报告的身体和心理症状以及感知健康状况相关的变量。数据收集发生在两个女葡萄牙监狱中，参与研究的有 232 名女性。身体症状与生孩子、儿童时期的身体虐待、更多的慢性病和焦虑有关。老年妇女、性虐待经历和慢性病与身体健康状况较差有关。在入狱前报告药物滥用、慢性病、焦虑和抑郁的女性的心理症状较高。最后，结合先前的变量（性虐待、焦虑和抑郁）和三个附加变量（较低的教育水平、入狱前没有与心理健康服务机构联系，并且已经被判刑）与对心理健康状况的更坏看法有关。这些发现可以用作未来研究的平台，也可以用作监狱政策有关女囚特定性别健康需求的工具。