Lifetime prevalence of substance abuse and mental distress among homicide offenders in Jimma Prison, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The offence of homicide is ubiquitous.However, a diversity of factors precipitating the action may vary from culture to culture. Ethiopia is one of the oldest independent countries in Africa as well as one of the poorest. As a poverty stricken economy whose mainstay is Agriculture, the presence of famine, displacement, land disputes make the production and distribution of the stimulant herb, khat preponderant. The authors therefore consider it a feasible site for the evaluation of homicide in the developing world. This study examined the the sociodemographic characteristics, prevalence of substance abuse and mental distress among incarcerated homicidal offenders. In a cross-sectional study among homicidal offenders, a face to face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and CAGE to obtain various socio-demographic, clinical, and forensic data at the Jimma Prison Ethiopia. The information was confirmed with the official prison, police, medical records and collateral reliable informants. In 546 consenting homicidal suspects and convicts interviewed, males (93.0%), a monthly income of less than $70USD (89.4%), married (65.0%), and those with no formal education (56%) featured prominently. There was a high lifetime prevalence of substance abuse (64.1%) most notably khat in 44% of offenders. 35.9% were mentally distressed, defined as an SRQ score of ≥7 out of 20. In conclusion, low socioeconomic status, high prevalence of substance abuse, especially the culturally accepted stimulant khat, and mental disorders are relevant ingredients for the understanding of homicide in Ethiopia. We therefore recommend further study to allow for planning of forensic psychiatric services.