Depression at the work place: Demonstrating need for Employee Assistance Program. A pilot study of the Prison Officers at the Kamiti Maximum Prison In Nairobi- Kenya

This study investigated the prevalence of depression at the work place and the necessity of an employee assistance programs (EAP) in Kamiti Prison. The subjects of the study were the Prison officers in Kamiti maxi mum prison. The study was guided by the main objective which was, investigating the prevalence of depression among the prison officers. The study aimed at finding out if there were cases of depressed prison officers. The study also sought to find out if there was need for employee assistance program (EAP's), a program meant to offer officers assistance in dealing with day to day difficulties, and to address stress and depression both at work and out of work. The study also sought to find out the difference in the prevalence of depression in relation to ranks. The literature review focused at the work of authors on related topics. I t looked at data on depression and the factors that had led to depression among workers; it also explored depression among pol ice officers given that there was very little data on prison officers. The study explored on EAP's history, how it worked and their benefits. Data was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory I I (BDl-11), a self-report instrument that has been used in screening for depression and its severity. A demographic data sheet was used in the collecting of demographic data and views on the necessity of an EAP among the prison officers. The received data was analyzed using the computerized Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the BDI-11 was scored using the BDI-11 scoring criteria and further analyzed into tables and charts.The study found out that the pension officers suffered depression symptoms and there was evidence of the necessity of EA P among the prison officers. The received data was meant for educational purposes and therefore can be used to inform the prison reforms as it aimed to improve the life of a prison officer. The study made recommendation to explore on further research in areas of depression, cause and effects of depression at work place among other prisons.