Aim: This study was performed to investigate the general mental health and aggression in female prisoners in Isfahan with the aim of determining whether the scores of aggression and general mental health differ according to selected demographic characteristics.
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was performed in the central prison of Isfahan. Regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 170 female prisoners were selected and completed the study self-administered questionnaires including Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ (and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‑28) as well as demographic information. Data were analyzed by SPSS20.
Findings: Five questionnaires were excluded due to deficiencies. Finally, 165 valid completed questionnaires were prepared for the analysis. According to the traditional ranking and cut-off point of 22 for GHQ‑28 scores, prevalence of suspected psychological disorders among participants was 87.9%. ANOVA test results showed significant differences between the GHQ-28 scores of participants with different characteristics. Females under 20 years old (P≤.001), single females (p=.015), and those who had no children (p=.021) reported higher scores in general mental health (higher values in the scale indicate more psychological symptoms) Likewise, there were significant differences between the BPAQ scores of participants with different characteristics (P≤.001).
Conclusion: Younger and single female prisoners and those who had no children were suffering from lower mental health and more aggression. The present study emphasizes on the necessity of psychological assistance and support to improve mental health of these groups of female prisoners.