Social Isolation among Genocide Ex-Prisoners in Rwanda : A Mixed Method Study of Prevalence and Associated Factors

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of social isolation and identify associated risk factors among genocide ex-prisoners in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study, using a mixed method approach, involved 382 respondents for the quantitative and 14 respondents for the qualitative data collection and analysis. The Lubben Social Network Scale was used to measure social isolation. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of social isolation with sociodemographic and social environmental variables. Inductive thematic analysis was applied for the qualitative data. Findings indicate a prevalence of social isolation among genocide ex-prisoners of 26.2%. Divorced/separated respondents were four times more likely to experience social isolation than those married (p= .020). Being incarcerated for more than two decades increased the risk of social isolation at 81.3%. Participating in citizenship activities (p= .035) and increased cognitive social capital (p= .001) were associated with a reduced risk of social isolation. Qualitative results highlighted poverty, marital conflict and interpersonal distrust as factors associated with social isolation. Community-based psychosocial interventions engaging genocide ex-prisoners in interpersonal relationships and socioeconomic development upon release are expected to promote a positive self-image and community trust, leading to a reduced risk of social isolation.

Key implications for practice

• Long-term imprisoned people struggle to reintegrate in their families and communities of origin after their release due to being exposed to the risk of social isolation. This struggle could be mitigated by post-release psychosocial support interventions facilitating their readaptation to living conditions outside prison settings.
• Initiating comprehensive and family-oriented psychosocial and economic interventions targeting poverty reduction and prevention of marital conflict during the reintegration process of ex-prisoners will contribute to improved family wellbeing after release.
• Involving ex-prisoners in citizenship activities and community-based psychosocial support groups can facilitate restoration of interpersonal relationships and trust leading to a reduced risk of social isolation and criminal recidivism.