A Study of Well-Being Status Among Family Members of Male Prisoners in a Metropolitan City in India

Background: The impacts of imprisonment on families are significant and wide-ranging, including emotional, social, psychological, financial, relational, physical, and developmental effects and the impact varies according to the nature of the offense, relational dynamics, and care arrangements. Thus, the purpose of this study was to increase awareness of the issues experienced by families of prisoners. Material and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a Hotspot i.e., the Central Prison, in Mumbai, where many family members came to meet the prisoners. The sample of 85 participants was taken from the community by the ‘Random sampling’ method of family member of prisoners aged 20 to 50 years. Results: On overall life evaluation, [79% of participants experienced suboptimal well-being (64% struggling and 15% suffering)], while only 21% were thriving. Conclusion: Significant well-being effects due to imprisonment on family members that ultimately lead to poor health. To promote population-level health, a collective effort by policymakers, community members, law enforcement, and leaders from the penal and healthcare systems are necessary.

Keywords: Well-Being, Family Members, Prisoners, Imprisonment.