The association between a self-reported history of mental health problems and a history of parasuicide in a sample of UK male prisoners.

BACKGROUND: Prisoner parasuicide is a major public and mental health concern worldwide and within the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES: This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the association between a self-reported history of mental health problems and a history of parasuicide in male prisoners.

METHODS: A total sample of 192 convicted prisoners who were about to be released from a local category "B" prison in the UK were approached and asked to complete the "Toolkit for Healthcare Needs Assessment in Prisons" which contained a range of demographic, mental and physical health questions. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) were determined using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Fifty-one prisoners participated. The unadjusted odds ratio for having a self-reported history of mental health problems and a self-reported history of parasuicide was 15.6 (95% C.I., 2.96-82.16). Following adjustment for age, living alone, homelessness, illegal drug use and alcohol problems the odds ratio was 11.32 (95% C.I., 1.80-71.13).

DISCUSSION: This study provides good evidence of an association between a history of mental health problems and a history of parasuicide in a group of UK male prisoners.