Expectations and Experiences of Women Imprisoned for Drug Offending and Returning to Communities in Thailand: Understanding Women’s Pathways Into, Through, and Post-Imprisonment

Jeffries, Samantha; Chuenurah, Chontit; Russell, Tristan

doi:10.3390/laws9020015

Cited by 11 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…individuals, leading to increased depression and anxiety levels [86]. In addition, previous studies have pointed out that female Thai drug offenders frequently experience economic marginalization and bear the primary responsibility for supporting their families financially [87][88][89].…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

Sunpuwan,

Thaweesit,

Tangchonlatip

2024

PLoS ONE

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Background In Thailand, the growing prevalence of mental health problems among the increasing number of adult female prisoners has emerged as a significant public health concern. However, studies on the health of women prisoners are primarily conducted in Western societies, and studies in other countries are rare. Thailand, a non-western country, is no exception to this. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the current levels of anxiety and depression among women drug offenders in Thailand and to identify possible associated factors. Methods Data were collected from a sample consisting of 554 women drug offenders serving sentences of eight years or more. Stratified random sampling with proportionate stratification was employed during the data collection. The female inmates were being held in three categories of prisons: correctional institutions, central prisons, and provincial prisons. A single question was used to measure self-perceived levels of anxiety and depression: none, moderate, or substantial. Ordered logit regression was employed in the data analysis. Findings One out of five (21.1%) of the inmates in the sample reported no perceived current anxiety and depression, 61.7% reported moderate anxiety and depression, and 17.1% reported having substantial perceived levels of anxiety and depression. It was found that chronic health conditions or disease, concerns about economic status, and feelings of shame were associated with the perceived anxiety and depression reported by the inmates. Conclusion The study’s findings suggest that integrated mental health services that emphasize a holistic approach that acknowledges the intersectionality of women’s mental health and societal gender roles should be provided in prisons. Regular mental health screening and accessible mental health services are essential for all incarcerated women. Empowerment programs during confinement can boost self-esteem and thus lead to better post-release outcomes. The government should also implement programs to alleviate the financial burden on prisoners’ households.

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Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

Sunpuwan,

Thaweesit,

Tangchonlatip

2024

PLoS ONE

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“…Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have slowly been working to cater to the treatment and rehabilitation needs of women who use drugs. Studies by Jeffries et al (2019 and Jeffries et al (2020) documented the gendered pathways of incarcerated women in Thailand. However, there is a dearth of research on the care of drug-involved women in the Philippines.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Her village: experiences of drug-involved women in a female-only aftercare program in the Philippines

Hechanova,

Tee,

et al. 2024

IJOPH

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Purpose Women are exposed to vulnerabilities that can lead to drug use or hinder recovery. However, there is a dearth of studies on recovery programs for women. This study aims to add to the literature by examining the feasibility of a women-only aftercare program for recovering users in the Philippines. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed-method design with pre and post-program surveys used to measure changes in participants’ recovery capital. Focused group discussions elicited participants’ context, their reactions, perceived outcomes and suggestions on the program. Findings Women in the program shared narratives of pain, trauma and abuse before treatment. Participants reported significant improvements in personal, community and family recovery capital dimensions. The program enabled personal growth in the form of new knowledge, skills and self-confidence. The women-only program also provided a safe space for women, to receive support from other women, community members and family. However, the women continue to face continuing challenges related to stigma and discrimination and a lack of livelihood opportunities. Research limitations/implications A limitation of the study was its small sample size and the lack of a control group. Another limitation was the variability in treatment received by the women, which could have affected overall outcomes. Future studies using a randomized control trial and longitudinal designs may provide more robust conclusions on the effectiveness of the program. Practical implications Given punitive contexts, gender-sensitive and trauma-informed programs and services for women involved in drug use could potentially mitigate the abuse, stigma and vulnerabilities they experience. Originality/value This study contributes to the sparse literature on women-only aftercare, particularly in countries that criminalize drug use.

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Patriarchal Confinement: Imprisoning Thailand’s Women for Surviving Men’s Violence

Jeffries,

Thipphayamongkoludom,

Chuenurah

2024

Geographies of Gendered Punishment

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Expectations and Experiences of Women Imprisoned for Drug Offending and Returning to Communities in Thailand: Understanding Women’s Pathways Into, Through, and Post-Imprisonment

Cited by 11 publications

References 62 publications

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

Her village: experiences of drug-involved women in a female-only aftercare program in the Philippines

Patriarchal Confinement: Imprisoning Thailand’s Women for Surviving Men’s Violence

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