In the heart of Nepal’s Bagmati Province, a critical yet often overlooked segment of the youth population is grappling silently with mental health crises. Recent groundbreaking research conducted in correctional homes has unveiled alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among children aged 14 to 17 who are in conflict with the law. This demographic, already vulnerable due to their legal circumstances, now faces an additional, urgent challenge: profound emotional and psychological distress that demands immediate and tailored intervention.
This comprehensive mixed-method study, conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, provides a revelatory glimpse into the mental well-being of young detainees residing in two correction homes. Employing both quantitative measures through the DASS-21 scale—a streamlined instrument designed to assess depression, anxiety, and stress—and qualitative insights from interviews with wardens and psychosocial counselors, the research meticulously maps the psychological terrain of these youths. The census-style approach, necessitated by a limited study population, enriches the data’s reliability by encompassing all eligible participants.
The findings are stark and troubling: over half of the children studied suffer from depressive symptoms and stress, with anxiety afflicting more than three-quarters of the respondents. These figures starkly illuminate a mental health epidemic within this confined group, emphasizing not only the prevalence but also the intensity of emotional turmoil experienced by incarcerated adolescents. The consequences for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society are profound, underscoring mental health as a pivotal axis for support and reform.
Digging deeper into the factors associated with these mental health difficulties, the study identifies significant gender disparities. Female children exhibit more than twice the likelihood of experiencing depression compared to their male counterparts, while their odds of enduring stress escalate dramatically to more than five times that of males. This gendered variance suggests that underlying social, cultural, or environmental influences might exacerbate psychological vulnerability for young females within correctional settings.
The research also highlights the pivotal role of familial relationships and living situations prior to incarceration. Children who previously lived with caregivers other than their parents were over four times more likely to experience depression, and those from non-parental households showed a quintuple increase in the odds of anxiety. These data points suggest that disruption or instability in the family structure before detention acts as a potent risk factor for mental health challenges, compounding the difficulties faced once incarcerated.
Moreover, the dimension of isolation emerges as a profound determinant of psychological distress. Youths separated from their families exhibit a staggering increase—over twelvefold—in the likelihood of developing anxiety compared to those maintaining familial connections. Such isolation not only amplifies feelings of abandonment and fear but also strips away critical emotional support, creating a fertile ground for mental health deterioration.
The association between family conflict, prior experiences of punishment, and poor mental health further paints a grim picture. A history of familial strife correlates with a heightened risk of depression, while experiences of punishment link closely with increased stress levels. These elements reflect the complex interplay between environmental stressors and internal emotional responses, highlighting how past trauma and ongoing adversities persistently burden young inmates’ mental landscapes.
This research goes beyond numbers by integrating the voices of wardens and counselors, who have observed firsthand the psychological struggles that plague these children. Their testimonies affirm that mental health issues are deeply entrenched, often rooted in broken homes, histories of abuse, and extended isolation. Such qualitative insights enrich the quantitative data by contextualizing mental health challenges within the lived realities of children detained in correction facilities.
The implications of these findings extend far beyond mere clinical observation; they call for urgent reforms in how correctional systems manage juvenile detainees’ mental health. Traditional punitive approaches must give way to comprehensive, trauma-informed care models that recognize and address the emotional and psychological needs of these youths. Failure to do so risks perpetuating a cycle of mental illness, recidivism, and social marginalization.
Importantly, this research underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive mental health interventions. Given the disproportionately high rates of depression and stress among female detainees, targeted programs that address specific vulnerabilities and provide inclusive psychosocial support are essential. Tailoring care to gender nuances holds promise for more effective healing and rehabilitation.
Beyond the correctional environment, these findings spotlight broader sociocultural challenges affecting Nepal’s marginalized youth. Broken family structures, social stigma, and inadequate community support create a backdrop where mental health issues in children in conflict with law can fester unaddressed. This scenario demands integrated policy responses encompassing family strengthening, community mental health programs, and reintegration initiatives.
The study’s mixed method design, combining rigorous statistical analysis with rich qualitative narratives, sets a benchmark for future research on juvenile mental health in correctional contexts. By embracing both breadth and depth, it provides a holistic understanding that can inform evidence-based policy and practice. The use of standardized tools like DASS-21 ensures comparability with international studies, while local insights ensure relevance to Nepal’s unique socio-legal landscape.
Ultimately, this research serves as a clarion call to policymakers, mental health professionals, and social workers alike. Addressing the mental health crisis among children in conflict with the law is not merely a matter of individual well-being; it is an investment in breaking cycles of crime, poverty, and social exclusion. Tailored mental health interventions within correction homes can catalyze healing, resilience, and hope, transforming vulnerable youths into empowered agents of change.
In conclusion, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescent detainees in Bagmati Province’s correction homes is alarmingly high, revealing a pressing mental health emergency. The study’s findings compel stakeholders to rethink juvenile justice paradigms and prioritize comprehensive, empathetic, and culturally appropriate mental health care. As Nepal grapples with this challenge, this seminal research provides both a map and a mandate for compassionate, effective responses that honor the rights and dignity of its youth.
Subject of Research: Mental health assessment of children aged 14–17 years in conflict with law residing in correction homes in Bagmati Province, Nepal.
Article Title: Mental health status of children (14–17 years) in conflict with law residing in the correction homes in Bagmati Province, Nepal: a mixed method study.
Article References:
Gautam, L., Gautam, A. & Bist, A. Mental health status of children (14–17 years) in conflict with law residing in the correction homes in Bagmati Province, Nepal: a mixed method study. BMC Psychiatry 25, 789 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07170-y
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