PTSD Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Custody in Australia: Prevalence and Correlates

Mental disorder and trauma experiences are highly prevalent among individuals in custody; however, the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on functioning is rarely considered. Indigenous Australians are incarcerated at 13 times the rate of nonindigenous Australians and report high levels of trauma exposure and psychological distress. In analysis of the largest systematic study of mental disorder among indigenous Australians in custody (N = 396), we found that the 12‐month prevalence of PTSD was high in both men (12.1%) and women (32.3%). Having PTSD was also associated with high rates of co‐occurring mental disorders (anxiety 31.2%, depression 32.8%, psychosis 24.6%, and substance use, 75.4%), lifetime suicidal ideation (50.1%), and suicide attempts (34.4%). Individuals with PTSD, compared to those without, were more likely to experience other mental disorders, OR = 2.42, 95% CI [1.12, 5.80], p = .022; lifetime suicide thoughts, OR = 2.43, 95% CI [1.34, 4.39], p = .001, and attempts, OR = 2.56, 95% CI [1.33, 4.83], p = .002; and high rates of intoxication at the time of arrest. Despite this, most (58.9%) had not accessed any form of mental health care prior to incarceration. These findings highlight the need to identify and manage PTSD in community and custodial populations. Resumen Spanish s by the Asociacion Chilena de Estres Traumatico TEPT en Indígenas Australianos en Prisión Los trastornos mentales y las experiencias de trauma son altamente prevalentes en los individuos en prisión, sin embargo, el impacto del TEPT es considerado raramente. Los indígenas australianos son encarcelados a una tasa que es 13 veces la tasa de australianos no indígenas y reportan altos niveles de exposición a trauma y estrés psicológico. En un análisis más detallado del estudio sistemático más grande sobre los trastornos mentales en los indígenas australianos en prisión (N = 396), encontramos que la prevalencia a los 12 meses del TEPT era alta tanto en hombres (12.1%) como en mujeres (32.3%). Tener TEPT también se asoció con altas tasas de trastornos mentales comórbidos (ansiedad 31.2%, depresión 32.8%, psicosis 24.6% y consumo de sustancias 75.4%), ideación suicida a lo largo de la vida (50.1%) e intentos suicidas (34.4%). Los individuos con TEPT, en comparación con los individuos sin TEPT, tenían más probabilidad de sufrir otro trastorno mental OR = 2.42, 95% IC [1.12, 5.80], p = ,022 y pensamientos suicidas en algún momento de la vida OR = 2.56, 95% IC [1.33, 4