Head injury and associated disability in offenders on release from custody and clinical research portfolio

Mapp, Lauren (2019) Head injury and associated disability in offenders on release from custody and clinical research portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Introduction: Scottish prisoners are significantly more likely to have head injury (HI) than the general population. The Scottish government recommend exploring HI and consequent disability in offenders in the criminal justice system. Little research exists on persisting effects of HI in short-term prisoners preparing for release.

Aim: To investigate HI-related disability in prisoners within Through-Care services and differences in number of convictions.

Methods: 66 participants were recruited from HMP Low Moss. A cross-sectional design was employed. History of HI was screened and individuals were categorised as having mild or moderate/severe HI. Disability, cognitive and mental health outcomes were assessed.

Results: Self-reported multiple and moderate-severe HI (MMHI) was associated with disability, with a greater proportion of those with MMHI (72%) rated as ‘disabled’ compared to those with mild HI (37%); (1)=7.246, p=0.007, φ=0.266, OR= 4.5, 95%CI: 1.45–13.8). A history MMHI was associated with significantly greater reported dysexecutive difficulties (r = 0.26, 95%CI = -13.01--0.37). When controlling for covariates (age, education), HI was a significant predictor of disability (OR = 5.03; 95%CI = 1.56 -16.22, p= 0.007), however the association between HI and dysexecutive difficulties did not remain significant. There was no significant difference in the number of convictions between HI groups.

Conclusion: Prisoners in Through-Care preparing to leave prison have a high level of self-reported HI. HI is predictive of disability, which may act as a major constraint on short-term prisoners’ prospects, having limited opportunity to access appropriate services for support. Educating Through-Care services on HI, disability and executive difficulties, with the development of prison based interventions, might improve post-release prospects for service users.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Head injury, prisoners, through-care, disability, impairment, offending.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: McMillan, Professor Tom
• Date of Award: 2019
• Depositing User: Ms Lauren Mapp
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-75037
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 02 Oct 2019 16:01
• Last Modified: 01 Aug 2022 10:47
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.75037
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75037