Mental Health Disorders, Staff Preparedness, and Resource Adequacy in Nigerian Correctional Facilities: A Mixed Methods Study in Kaduna State

Correctional populations experience significantly higher rates of mental health disorders than the general population, yet empirical evidence from Nigerian correctional systems remains limited. This study examined the prevalence and severity of mental health disorders among inmates in Kaduna State correctional facilities, assessed staff knowledge and training related to mental health, and explored institutional capacity for mental healthcare delivery. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed across two correctional facilities in Kaduna State. Quantitative data were collected from 200 inmates using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and from 43 correctional staff using a Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained through semi structured interviews and observational checklists. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results show an extremely high prevalence of psychological distress among inmates, with 98 percent meeting GHQ caseness criteria and 57.5 percent experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The mean PHQ-9 score was 10.19 (SD = 4.56) and the mean GHQ-28 score was 23.76 (SD = 8.80). Only 55.6 percent of inmates reported receiving mental health support, while 33.3 percent of inmates with severe depression reported no form of support. Among staff, 76.7 percent reported confidence in identifying mental illness, yet 58.1 percent rated available mental health resources as fair or poor. Qualitative findings revealed limited mental health infrastructure, absence of specialised professionals, reliance on externally sourced medications, and significant institutional funding constraints. The findings indicate a substantial gap between the mental health needs of inmates and the institutional capacity to deliver adequate care within Kaduna State correctional facilities.