Assessment of the Physical and Mental Health Needs of Juvenile Detainees in the Kirkuk Juvenile Detention Center, Iraq

Abstract

Background & Objective: Juvenile Detainees face unique and often overlooked health challenges during institutionalization. In Kirkuk City, Iraq, the juvenile detention system houses under conditions that fail to meet their physical and mental health needs. This study aims to assess these health needs among juveniles at Kirkuk Juvenile Detention Center.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and March 2025 at the Kirkuk Juvenile Detention Center. All eligible adolescents aged 12-18 (n=40) participated in structured interviews. A constructed questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic, physical health needs, and mental health needs. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The study found that 42.5% of participants reported unmet physical health needs, and 47.5% unmet mental health needs. Only 2.5% had met their physical health needs, while 52.5% teenagers indicated that the requirements for mental health were partially addressed. No statistically significant association was found between health needs of detainees and the socio-demographic factors, and type of offenses. However, the only significant statistical association was found between geographical origin and health needs (p-value = 0.03, Cramer`s V = 0.419).

Conclusion: Kirkuk's Juvenile prisoners require improved healthcare, including preventive services and mental health needs. Politicians must prioritize health reforms in young people`s detention facilities to enhance fitness results and aid in the rehabilitation of younger criminals.