Abstract:
This study explores the quality of life among recidivist inmates in the New Bilibid
Prison (NBP). Recidivists are habitual criminals who returned to the prison because of
another crime, after they were first released. There are two types of research approaches
used in this study: the qualitative and the quantitative. A group of 63 recidivists under
Maximum Security Protection of the New Bilibid Prison were asked to participate in this
study by answering the World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF questionnaire
to measure their quality of life in the following domains: physical health and capacity.
psychological well-being, social relationships and environment. A qualitative approach
was also used by conducting six in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions.
Variable which measures spirituality was included in the interview guide. Coping
mechanism among recidivists was also explored. Results show that among recidivists, 73.2% of them were categorized with an average quality of life. Younger recidivists, usually those who age from 25 to 39 years
have a better quality of life as compared to older recidivists. Marital status and
educational attainment are both independent in terms of its effect to their quality of life.
Recidivists have a stronger relationship with God. Years in prison shows significance in relation to their quality of life. The longer they are inside the prison, the more they are
accustomed to the culture and lifestyle. Strong social support is given by fellow inmates.
Most of them would not want to continue the rest of their lives in prison; the main reason
for this is their family. Patterns which include psychological and social activities as their
way of adjusting to their condition were explored.
