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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing mental health challenges among vulnerable populations, particularly within correctional institutions. This quantitative study aimed to assess the mental health conditions—specifically depression, anxiety, and stress—of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Provincial Reformatory Rehabilitation Center in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Employing a descriptive, cross-sectional research design, the study utilized convenience sampling to survey 100 PDLs using a two-part questionnaire: demographic profiling and the standardized Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), a validated instrument for measuring psychological distress. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were male and between the ages of 30–35 years, though no significant association was found between demographic characteristics and mental health outcomes. Quantitative analysis showed that respondents experienced moderate to high levels of depression (M = 2.99), anxiety (M = 3.02), and stress (M = 3.01), indicating a concerning degree of emotional and psychological burden during the pandemic. However, statistical tests confirmed that there were no significant differences in mental health conditions when grouped by age, sex, educational attainment, or legal classification (p > .05). These results suggest that the psychological impact of the pandemic within correctional facilities is widespread and indiscriminate, affecting incarcerated individuals regardless of their demographic profile. The study underscores the urgent need for institutional mental health interventions and structured psychosocial support programs tailored to the unique needs of the incarcerated population, particularly during public health crises.
