Unmet Needs of Inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu Custodial Centre.

Abstract

The inmates of correctional centres (prisons) experience numerous needs that impact on their quality of
life in or out of prison. We conducted a descriptive study of 112 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional
Service (NCS), Enugu Custodial Centre (ECC). The Camberwell Assessment of Need Forensic-Short
version (CANFOR-S) was used for the assessment of their needs. The overall unmet needs (44.6%)
were double the total met needs (22.7%). Functioning needs such as self-care (79.5%), looking after the
living environment (83.9%), basic education (83.9%), and daytime activities (81.3%) were largely met.
Needs were unmet for basic and health needs such as food (77.7%), physical health (46.4%),
psychological distress (67%), psychotic symptoms (42%), suicidal ideation (34.8%), threatening
violence (30.4%), alcohol (36.6%), medications (36.6%), social needs (83.9%), sexual expression
(94.6%) and intimate relationships (93,8%). Service needs such as digital communication (63.4%),
entitled benefits (92.9%), receiving clear information about their condition and treatment (50.9%), and
need for money (83.0%) were also unmet. Addressing the unmet needs of inmates requires the concerted
efforts of the inmates, the NCS authorities, government, and society. Routinely screening for unmet
needs and implementing the evidence-based interventions will aid reformation of inmates and prevent
relapse into future criminality.