Interventions for Substance Use among Inmates in the Criminal Justice System in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Systematic Review and Comparison with Europe

Kuiper, Maaike (2026) Interventions for Substance Use among Inmates in the Criminal Justice System in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Systematic Review and Comparison with Europe. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Substance use is highly prevalent among incarcerated individuals and is associated with adverse outcomes such as increased recidivism and health-related problems. Research on the effectiveness of substance use interventions in correctional facilities remains limited, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on psychological and pharmacological interventions for substance use among incarcerated individuals in SSA and to compare these findings with psychological interventions in European prison settings. To examine this, three sub-analyses were conducted following PRISMA guidelines: (1) psychological interventions in SSA, (2) pharmacological interventions in SSA and (3) psychological interventions in Europe. Literature searches were performed in PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science and African Journals Online. Four studies evaluating psychological interventions in SSA were identified, suggesting positive effects on substance use and related outcomes, although methodological quality was generally low. No eligible studies assessing pharmacological interventions in SSA were found. Six studies evaluating psychological interventions in Europe were included, also suggesting generally positive effects. Overall, structured psychological interventions based on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) have potential to reduce substance use among incarcerated individuals in both SSA and Europe. The current evidence remains preliminary, highlighting the need for more rigorous research on prison-based interventions, particularly in SSA.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Roest, A.M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Ontwikkelingspsychologie (O) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	09 Feb 2026 07:40
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2026 07:40
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6138

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