High morbidity of mental disorders among juvenile offenders has been confirmed by several studies, thus challenging both the juvenile justice system and the mental health system. Data from developed countries may not reflect the situation in low-income countries and therefore cannot form a basis for intervention. No similar study has been done in Sudan. The objective to determine prevalence of psychiatric disorders among incarcerated youth in Al-Juref juvenile correctional facility. All juveniles (forty eight) were studied utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data was collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the MINI-KID 6.0 and was analyzed using the SPSS v.20. Most respondents were males (Forty six) with a mean age of fifteen (±1.6 years SD). Most were living with both parents (75%) and were school dropouts (41.7%). The majority was arrested for theft (33.3%) and rape (29.2%). Prevalence of psychiatric disorders was high (60.4%) with conduct disorder (CD) being the most common (47.9%), followed by anxiety disorders (31.1%) and major depressive disorder (14.6%). Comorbid psychiatric disorders rate was high (31%). Even after subtracting CD, prevalence was still common (39%). New information can help mental health providers and policy makers in the juvenile justice system make effective interventions in provision of mental health services. We recommend clinical assessment for juveniles when they appear at court and training of workers in the justice system on how to detect features of psychopathology.
Key words: Delinquency; juvenile; juvenile offender; mental health
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