Journal of Psychiatry

Feasibility and acceptability of medical skin camouflage for recovery of women with self-harm scarring in prison

28^th World Congress on Psychiatry, Psychological Syndromes & Therapeutics

May 21-22, 2018 | New York, USA

Kerry Gutridge

University of Manchester, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Background: Self-harm is a huge problem in UK prisons. Women comprise just 5% of the prison population, but are responsible for the majority of prison self-harm. Dealing with the effects of disfigurement from self-harm scarring has largely gone unaddressed; a paucity of literature exists on recovery and psychological effects on individuals. Purpose: To test the feasibility of using medical skin camouflage (MSC) products in a prison environment; collecting outcome measures at baseline and six weeks; following women up at three months. Methods: A pilot RCT; 20 women used MSC for six weeks, 20 were on the waitlist control. All women completed weekly selfharm diaries and several outcomes measures, including assessment of depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation and self-esteem. Incidence of self-harm was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using prison records and weekly diaries. Qualitative interviews were conducted with all participants and will be transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Quantitative analyses will be descriptive; including standard deviations and confidence intervals to inform sample size estimates for a future RCT. Follow-up was piloted at three months. Expected results: We anticipate that women using MSC are likely to benefit from improved self-esteem, wellbeing and social relationships. Current stage of study: 37/40 women have completed the study. Qualitative interviews are being conducted; data analysis will begin imminently. Discussion: This is the first trial of MSC in a prison. The pilot will provide preliminary data on whether MSC may be a beneficial recovery-focused intervention for women who self-harm in prison. kerry.gutridge@manchester.ac.uk