Balikbayan sa Bilangguan'. A Descriptive Study on the Quality of Life Among Recidivist Inmates

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.