Evaluation of a Mental Health Awareness Program for medical staff in a Pakistani Prison

Objective Mental health problems in prison settings is a global health priority, however, lack of trained staff and adequate health care provision in prisons in Pakistan is a major concern. The aim of this training program was to raise awareness about mental health problems amongst prison medical staff. Methods This was a 10-session training program with pre-post assessments, delivered weekly to medical staff, men (n = 20) and women (n = 20) in, Pakistan (Karachi) prison. Training was provided to medical doctors and medical ward staff that also included prison inmates. Training included a detailed presentation in local language (Urdu) with role play sessions on a simple valid screening tool for each domain: depression, anxiety and phobia, bereavement, bipolar affective disorder, substance abuse disorders, postnatal depression, post-traumatic-stress-disorder, schizophrenia, self-harm and suicide and basic counseling skills. Screening tools included: Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorder Questionnaire, Beck scales for Suicidal Ideation, Impact Event scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results More than 70% participants from each training batch attended all training sessions. Comparison of pre-post mean score showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) in knowledge and understanding in all domains (depression 3.9–6.6; anxiety 2.9–4.5, bereavement 2.9–4.5, bipolar disorder 3.6–5.5, substance-abuse-disorder 3.1–4.5, postnatal depression 1.6–4.1, post-traumatic-stress-disorder 2.7–6.0, schizophrenia 2.8–5.1, self-harm and suicide −4.3-2.7, counseling 2.7–5.1). Conclusion The training demonstrates significant improvement in knowledge of mental health in prison staff. The impact of these training programs on care, support and referral of inmates needs evaluation.