Abstract:

Background: Large numbers of stimuli are contained within the prison environment which can impact both the behaviour and attitudes of inmates within it. This inmate-environment interaction has implication for the safety and overall well-being of inmates.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the differences between homicide and non-homicide offenders in relation to effects of prison environmental factors. The relationship between these factors and socio-demographic factors was also explored and compared between both groups of offenders.

Methods: A case-control study design was employed with 102 homicide and an equal number of non-homicide offenders. Each participant was interviewed using a questionnaire for ascertaining socio-demographic characteristics as well as the Prison Environment Inventory for inmates concerns within the prison.

Results: A significant association was found in all prison environment subscales between offender groups except safety (p = 0.060) and privacy (p = 0.084) with homicide offenders having better total overall score in the prison environment. A younger age and higher educational attainment were associated with better prison experience.

Conclusion: The study found an overall better adjustment in homicide offenders compared to their non-homicide counterparts. However, prison administrators have a role in improving specific aspects of prisoner experience for both homicide and non-homicide offenders during incarceration.

Keywords: Prison, Environment, Homicide, Nigeria, Maximum security.

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