Quality of life-related factors for female Palestinian ex-prisoners when re-entry into Palestinian community” رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: Experiencing occupation prisons is a life-changing experience that significantly affects individual health. Releasing from occupation prisons is associated with numerous challenges, especially when reintegrating into an occupied community which raises concerns about quality of life (QoL). Research exploring QoL and its associated factors for this vulnerable group is limited, especially in Palestine, creating a significant knowledge gap and uncertainty in strategies to improve their well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate (Qol) levels of Palestinian female ex-prisoners in 2023. Additionally, it sought to identify the specific factors associated with QoL outcomes in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a snowball sample of 48 Palestinian female ex-prisoners from the West Bank. After consulting the Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group, the study employed the World Health Organization Quality of Life self-assessment (WHOQOL), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (RSE), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as the primary outcome measures. These were supplemented by socio-demographic and ex-prisoner-specific questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: QoL levels for the participants' revealed 56.5 as a mean overall quality of life, 54.2 as a mean score for physical health, 56.5 for psychological health, 64.2 for social relations, 51.3 as a mean score for the environment domain. The participants' results have 21.3 as a mean score in RSE assessment and 15.9 in HADS scale. Conclusion: Palestinian females' ex-pows exhibited poor QoL by considering the 60. as a cutoff score across three domains. Additionally, the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms considered as main correlated factors. Special QoL tool for this population is recommended.