Strengthening Promotive and Preventive Program: A Policy Review on Adolescent Mental Health in Prisons

OBJECTIVE: Adolescents who interact with the law are a vulnerable group at risk of experiencing mental health issues. This policy review aims to present a summary of data on mental health problems, efforts to provide mental health services, and relevant regulations to strengthen mental health promotion and prevention programs in prison. METHODOLOGY: This policy review used exploratory, descriptive methods and literature studies. The first phase involved 95 juvenile inmates, while the second phase included interviews with 13 participants, consisting of five nurses and eight prison officers. Samples were selected using purposive sampling. The tools used included the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and interview guidelines. Data analysis was conducted using frequency distribution and thematic analysis. RESULTS: The results of mental health studies show that 48.4% of adolescent inmates experience emotional mental disorders, and 37.9% experience moderate to very severe anxiety. The evaluation of mental health services identified three main themes, six sub-themes, and twelve categories. Furthermore, the literature review supported promotive and preventive programs through three laws and three ministerial regulations. CONCLUSION: Most adolescents have normal mental health, but a significant number experience anxiety and require intervention. Efforts to improve mental health services should focus on early detection of mental health issues. Regulatory support should be optimized for the effective implementation of programs aimed at promoting and preventing mental health problems.