The Birth Experience of Women in the Czech Prison System.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the incarceration of women generally indicates significant mental health challenges, particularly elevated depression and reduced self-esteem. However, in the Czech Republic, little research has been undertaken on the birth experiences of women in this population, and indeed, more generally, there is little research undertaken on this specific group of women. METHODS: A quantitative questionnaire-based cohort study was undertaken in a major women's prison in the Czech Republic. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were administered to participants. Comparisons with normative data using the one-sample t test, comparisons between depression screen positive/negative groups using the independent t test, and correlational analysis were conducted. A measure of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) was also administered. RESULTS: BSS-R subscale scores were observed to be either similar or higher than the noncustodial population. High screen-positive rates of EPDS-assessed depression were observed, and the study cohort was characterized by low RSES-assessed self-esteem. PP-PTSD levels approximated the noncustodial population. CONCLUSIONS: Women in the Czech prison system report levels of birth satisfaction equal to or better than noncustodial women. However, the mental health of this group is comparatively impoverished, thus presenting a complex relationship between birth experience and mental health during the prison sentence. Limitations of the research are discussed, and the direction of future research is indicated.