The Impact of Infectious Epidemic on Prison Inmate Person a Case Study of Coronavirus Disease
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are
- To ascertain the impact of coronavirus disease on prison inmate
- To ascertain the challenges of inmate during coronavirus disease
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
The Challenge of Social Distancing in Prisons and Jails
At San Quentin, a single incoming prisoner initiated each wave of the 1918 epidemic. Once introduced, the disease spread rapidly as a result of the inmates’ close confinement and an inability to isolate the sick. The COVID-19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship provides a contemporary analogy. With about 3700 passengers and crew held on board in separate but close quarters, about 700 people became infected and 12 died over a 4-week period. The rapid spread was attributed to a small number of kitchen workers housed together on Deck, who were responsible for feeding the quarantined passengers. The infrastructure of most prisons and jails is similarly conducive to spreading disease. Moreover, people who are incarcerated will be at higher risk of exposure, as correctional officers and other staff frequently leave the facility and then return. In prisons and jails, social distancing is typically a physical impossibility.
The Challenge of Social Distancing in Prisons and Jails
At San Quentin, a single incoming prisoner initiated each wave of the 1918 epidemic. Once introduced, the disease spread rapidly as a result of the inmates’ close confinement and an inability to isolate the sick. The COVID-19 outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship provides a contemporary analogy. With about 3700 passengers and crew held on board in separate but close quarters, about 700 people became infected and 12 died over a 4-week period. The rapid spread was attributed to a small number of kitchen workers housed together on Deck 3, who were responsible for feeding the quarantined passengers. The infrastructure of most prisons and jails is similarly conducive to spreading disease. Moreover, people who are incarcerated will be at higher risk of exposure, as correctional officers and other staff frequently leave the facility and then return. In prisons and jails, social distancing is typically a physical impossibility.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the impact of infectious epidemic on prison inmate person a case study of coronavirus disease. Selected Port Harcourt prison forms the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of infectious epidemic on prison inmate person a case study of coronavirus disease. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of infectious epidemic on prison inmate person
Summary
This study was on the impact of infectious epidemic on prison inmate person a case study of coronavirus disease. Two objectives were raised which included; To ascertain the impact of coronavirus disease on prison inmate and to ascertain the challenges of inmate during coronavirus disease. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected prison in Port Harcourt. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of imprisoned people and prison staff is likely to be profound, related not only to fear of COVID-19 but also as a consequence of instituting infection prevention and control measures. Although essential, these must be kept to a minimum and mitigation strategies to maintain mental well-being implemented alongside them. In March 2020, the WHO noted, ‘People in prisons and other places of detention are not only likely to be more vulnerable to infection with COVID-19; they are also especially vulnerable to human rights violations’. Given the evidence of impact so far and the reality that this pandemic is far from over, there is an urgent need for action alongside further research to address the adverse mental health consequences of the pandemic on those who live and work in prisons.
Recommendation
Prison should adhere to instruction and guide of Covid19 and observe social distance to avoid contracting of covid19
References
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