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Child Abuse and Cannabis Use as Determinants of Antisocial Personality Disorder among Incarcerated Offenders of Medium Security Correctional Centre in Northern, Nigeria

Elias Terumbur Audu, Elvis Oblu Ihaji PhD, Aondoaver Ucho PhD

Abstract

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is among the leading mental health problems reported among incarcerated inmates, with wide-range impact on social functioning, effective judicial system and national security worldwide. However, even though ASPD is a common problem among incarcerated in prisons, it is not well-studied in developing countries including Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined child abuse, cannabis use and antisocial personality disorder among inmates of correctional centres in Borno State. A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 123 incarcerated inmates at Biu correctional center, Northeast Nigeria. Participants were selected using simple random technique. The Mini?International Neuropsychiatric Interview English version 5.0 (MINI plus 5), was used to measure ASPD. Cannabis use and Adverse Childhood Experiences were measured using Cannabis Use Problems Identification Test (CUPIT) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) respectively. The collected data were checked for completeness and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-v23) for analysis. Multiple Regression analyses were done to identify factors related to antisocial personality disorder. The study showed that ASPD was predicted by early experiences of physical abuse, sexual abuse and parental neglect. Also, cannabis use was found to predict ASPD in the participants, with increased use predicting greater symptoms. The findings of the study revealed that adverse childhood experiences and cannabis use have significant joint influence on antisocial personality disorder of both awaiting-trial and convicted inmates at the facility. Thus, it was recommended, among others, that parents and other stakeholders should provide early support to children who are victims of adverse traumatic experiences in order to prevent future development of antisocial personality disorder.

Keywords

Adverse Traumatic ExperiencesCannabis UseAntisocial Personality Disorder

References

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