International journal of prison health最新文献

Purpose: This study aims to assess neurocognitive impairment, depression and anxiety level in HIV-infected individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan.

Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional design was used to recruit incarcerated individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan meeting the inclusion criteria (diagnosed with HIV). Participants completed standardized assessments to screen anxiety and depression symptoms, hospital anxiety and depression scale and neurocognitive functioning and mini mental status examination. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, HIV disease progression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, history of substance abuse and duration of incarceration, were also collected as covariates of interest. The study was approved by Azerbaijan Medical University Ethics Committee (P.23 / 19.05.2022). Data were analyzed using student-Bonferroni and H-Kruskal-Wallis tests. Variance analysis was conducted using the ANOVA test, while discriminant analyses involved the χ2-Pearson test, through SPSS software, version 26.

Findings: Of the 88 HIV positive patients who agreed to participate, 99% were male, with a median age of 44 years (range: 30-62), median CD4 count 453.1 cells/µl (range: 153-1,290). The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was 72.7%. Occurrence of comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms was found to be 72% and 67%, respectively. Most patients (59.1%) were HIV-positive for more than five years. Increased depression and anxiety levels were identified mostly in first two years after admission to prison (p < 0.05). HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was most commonly found among depressed patients (p = 0.009).

Originality/value: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the cooccurrence and interrelationships between anxiety, depression and neurocognitive disorders in individuals with HIV in prisons. It highlights the unique intersection of HIV infection, mental health challenges and incarceration in a country where research on HIV-related issues in prisons is still developing. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to identify targeted interventions that address the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals living with HIV in Azerbaijan, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.

Purpose: This study aims to assess undernutrition and associated factors among prisoners in Bahir Dar Zone Prison Center, Ethiopia, in 2021.

Design/methodology/approach: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 582 prisoners from October 1 to October 30, 2021. An interviewer-administered, semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The body mass index (BMI) was assessed to determine the nutritional status of prisoners. Data were entered into Epi-Info statistical software version 7 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with undernutrition. In multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significant. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the strength of the association.

Findings: The prevalence of undernutrition was 17.5% (95% CI: 14.3, 21). Imprisonment history (AOR: 4.98, 95% CI: 2.80, 8.86), history of cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.38, 95% CI: 2.86, 10.13), imprisonment duration (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.19), diarrheal diseases (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.41), depression (AOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.88, 5.57) and poor social support (AOR: 7.09, 95% CI: 3.57, 14.05) were factors significantly increasing the odds of undernutrition.

Originality/value: This manuscript is an original research article that was conducted by using primary data. The finding of the study implies that the magnitude of undernutrition among prisoners in the Bahir Dar Prison Center was found to be lower than the general population in Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper recommended behavioral change intervention, promotion of mental support and health education, cessation of cigarette smoking and management of diarrheal disease.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the obesity and cardiometabolic disease risks of incarcerated men and to determine the related factors.

Design/methodology/approach: This study was cross-sectional and 139 incarcerated men were included. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing the Descriptive Information Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The incarcerated men' body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were evaluated. The significance level of statistical tests was accepted as p < 0.05.

Findings: According to BMI, the rates of incarcerated men with overweight were 53.2% and with obesity were 13.7%. Their cardiometabolic disease risk according to waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio was 47.5%, 53.2% and 73.4%, respectively. The cardiometabolic disease risk was 2.66 times higher in the married and 3.71 times higher in those with senior high school or lower education according to waist circumference, and 4.16 times higher in those who were in the aged = 40 years according to the waist-to-hip ratio, 3.49 times higher in those who were in the aged = 40 years and 4.26 times higher in those with senior high school or lower education according to the waist-to-height ratio.

Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first study in which obesity and the risk of cardiometabolic disease in incarcerated men was investigated in Türkiye. In the incarcerated individuals, there was an association between the increased cardiometabolic diseases risk and variables such as older age, being married and having senior high school or lower education.

Purpose: Suicide in prisons accounts for about half of all prison deaths globally. A bibliometric analysis would indicate research output and potential contributors in the sector, which has not been conducted previously. The purpose of this paper was to conduct a bibliometric analysis to understand the patterns, trends and gaps in research on this issue.

Design/methodology/approach: The PubMed database was searched by using the terms: (suicide) AND ((Prison) OR (prisoner) OR (incarceration)). A bibliometric analysis was done with the help of Harvard Catalyst, PubMed PubReMiner and biblioshiny.

Findings: A total of 1,683 publications were identified in the PubMed database from 1949 to 2024, with an annual growth rate of 4.4% and a Hirsch index of 46. Journal articles were the top publications with the highest number in the journal Crisis. The USA published the highest number of articles, and countries with low income showed much less production.

Originality/value: Prison suicide is not well-researched worldwide. The majority of the studies are published in high-income countries. An interdisciplinary outlook and more intervention-based and longitudinal studies are required in this field. Importantly, more research in low- and middle-income countries is required to understand mental health issues and prevent suicide in prisons.

Purpose: People in prison face a disproportionate risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but there is a paucity of evidence on trends in STIs in prisons in England. This study aims to describe trends in chlamydia test-positivity and syphilis prevalence by using two different methodologies in prison settings.

Design/methodology/approach: This study used routinely collected chlamydia surveillance data reported by all primary diagnostic laboratories in England from 2018 to 2022 to identify tests undertaken in prisons. Separately, this study used data from a pilot syphilis serology pilot study of four prisons in England. A descriptive analysis was undertaken to describe chlamydia test-positivity and syphilis seroprevalence by demographic characteristics.

Findings: Between 2018 and 2022, the number of chlamydia tests carried out in prisons increased by 2.0% (17,177-17,514) whilst the number of positive diagnoses decreased by 12.0% (957-840). The overall test-positivity in 2022 was 4.8% (840/17,514) which was marginally lower than that of the community; test-positivity was highest in 15-19 year-olds. Overall, syphilis prevalence was 3.9% (43/1064). Prevalence was highest in the women's prison site at 6.4% 27/398). The range in male prison sites was between 0.5% and 3.5%.

Originality/value: Use of two methods enabled us to better understand the burden of STIs in a vulnerable population. Chlamydia test positivity was marginally lower than community levels but still indicated a high burden of infection, in particular for the 15-24 age group. Syphilis prevalence was high across all age groups in prisons, highlighting the need for more systematic assessment of STIs in prisons to allow for earlier identification and treatment of infections.

Purpose: Substance use disorder is one of the most prevalent health issues among prison populations. In this regard, addiction treatment and harm reduction programs have been implemented in Iranian prisons since 2002. The purpose was to describe the practical experience of implementing harm reduction programs in Iran's prisons, emphasizing the impact of policy decisions on it.

Design/methodology/approach: The study was qualitative study. In addition to analyzing 16 documents, the authors conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 11 key informants who were asked questions about the evolution of treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons. The authors analyzed the data using the content analysis method and MAXQDA-10 software.

Findings: The HIV outbreak in Iranian prisons in the late 20th century posed a significant challenge. Initially, policymakers' responses were varied from denying the issue to solving it, reflecting the prevailing abstinence paradigm among drug experts and politicians. However, a legal amendment was eventually issued based on evidence-based health literature. Despite initial obstacles such as financial constraints and lack of human resources, the successful implementation of large-scale harm reduction measures, including methadone maintenance treatment and interventions targeting infectious diseases, has led to the development of a unique health model in the Persian Gulf region. This model, born out of the Iranian experience, offers hope for the future of prison health.

Originality/value: Lessons from the Iran case could provide valuable insight for countries about the role of policy in implementing harm reduction programs in prisons. Policy advocacy and reform is one of the main measures to provide evidence-based health interventions in prisons.

Purpose: This scoping review aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity interventions on the well-being of incarcerated individuals. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research on various forms of physical activity, including structured exercise programs, yoga and mindfulness, and their effects on both mental and physical health within prison populations.

Design/methodology/approach: A scoping review was conducted by searching Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science in June 2024. Keywords used included "physical activity," "exercise," "fitness," "sports," "prisoners," "inmates," "incarcerated individuals," "well-being," "mental health," "physical health," "psychological well-being" and "emotional well-being." After screening 1,736 potential articles, 54 relevant studies were selected. These included structured exercise programs, yoga/mindfulness programs and evaluations of physical activity levels. Two authors independently reviewed and selected studies based on predefined inclusion criteria, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the literature on physical activity interventions in prison settings.

Findings: The review identified 12 relevant studies, revealing that physical activity interventions, including structured exercise programs, yoga and mindfulness, positively impact the psychological and physical well-being of incarcerated individuals. Consistent improvements were noted in mental health outcomes, such as reduced depression and anxiety, and enhanced physical health indicators, including lower body mass index and increased fitness levels. The findings underscore the necessity for age- and gender-specific interventions to address the unique health challenges faced by different inmate demographics, highlighting the importance of incorporating diverse and culturally relevant exercise programs in prisons.

Originality/value: This review uniquely synthesizes the impact of various physical activity interventions on the well-being of incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the necessity for tailored, culturally relevant programs. Notably, no previous review has comprehensively analyzed this aspect. By comparing diverse types of interventions, it provides comprehensive insights into the benefits of structured exercise, yoga and mindfulness in prison settings. This work highlights the importance of implementing physical activity in various forms, especially for female inmates, to enhance health and well-being. It offers valuable guidance for developing effective rehabilitation strategies in correctional facilities.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to use lived experience and research to bridge the gap between LGBTQ+ policy and practice in prisons. The authors hope that this paper will ignite debate and lead to the development of policy, training and awareness across the prison estate in the United Kingdom (UK).

Design/methodology/approach: This paper draws on the lived experiences of a serving prisoner, who has co-authored this paper. He identifies as gay. His examples of life behind bars depict the clear disconnect between policy and its application in practice. The authors have drawn on aspects of lived experience which best highlight gaps in policy and they have then used these to inform and justify the recommendations at the end of this paper.

Findings: This paper found that there is a clear disconnect between policy and practice in relation to supporting LGBTQ+ people in the prison estate. The findings highlight the haphazard approach to risk assessments and the manipulation of policy by both staff and prisoners.

Research limitations/implications: There is some research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in prisons in the UK, albeit limited. The authors recognise that drawing on the lived experiences of individuals calls into question the reliability of the findings and implications that they have proposed. However, these experiences do align with the existing research. There is an urgent need for further research into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within prisons.

Practical implications: This paper is intended to ignite debate on the experiences and rights of LGBTQ+ prisoners. Implementing the recommendations that are outlined in this article will help to create a more consistent approach to the application of LGBTQ+ prisoners' rights.

Social implications: LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience poor mental health. Implementing the policy recommendations will help to create more inclusive cultures within prisons. In addition, the recommendations seek to foster the development of positive attitudes through developing educational resources which aim to challenge discrimination and prejudice. This furthers the advancement of social justice and inclusion, not just in prisons but also in the community. Prisoners returning to the community are more likely to enter it with healthy and inclusive values in relation to LGBTQ+.

Originality/value: This paper draws on the lived experiences of a serving long-term prisoner. Thus, it provides a valuable and unique insight into day-to-day life in the prison system. This insight is valuable to both policy makers and researchers who are seeking to develop a better, more informed understanding of life behind bars for LGBTQ+ prisoners.