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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Substance misuse as a marker of vulnerability among male prisoners on remand.

BACKGROUND: More treatment for substance misuse should be provided within prisons. AIMS: To examine differences between prisoners on remand with substance misuse problems and other prisoners on remand. METHOD: Random selection and interview of unconvicted male prisoners (n = 750, a 9.4% sample), plus examination of the prison medical record. RESULTS: Of the sample of 750, 253 subjects (33.7%) reported either drug- or alcohol-related health problems or dependency. Compared with other prisoners on remand, they reported more childhood adversity, conduct disorder, self-harm, past psychiatric treatment and current mood disorder, and had fewer qualifications, were more likely to be unemployed and have more housing difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of unconvicted men in prison report substance-related problems, and these are a marker for vulnerability within a disadvantaged population. Health care providers should involve this group in treatment and rehabilitation, both inside prison and following release.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Online eye care in prisons in Western Australia.

In prisons, prison medical officers provide general medical care. However, if specialist care is needed then the prisoner is transported to a specialist medical centre. This is a costly procedure and prison escapes occur during transportation. We have tested our Internet-based eye care system in prisons in Western Australia. Medical and ophthalmic history, visual acuity and intraocular pressure were stored in a browser-based multimedia database. Digital images of the retina and the external eye were recorded and transmitted to a central server. Based on the medical data and the digital images, the specialist ophthalmologist could provide a diagnosis within 24 h. Eleven patients (mean age 48, range 30-82 years) were reviewed during two separate visits to a maximum-security prison in Western Australia. Our main aim was to train prison medical officers and nurses to operate the portable ophthalmic imaging instruments and to use the Internet-based eye care system. The outcome of the pilot study indicated that considerable savings could be made in transport costs and the security risk could be reduced. The Ministry of Justice in Western Australia has decided to implement telemedicine services to provide regular ophthalmic consultation to its prisons.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pilot study of risk behaviour, voluntary HIV counselling and HIV antibody testing from saliva among inmates of prisons in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVE: To implement a pilot study of risk behaviour and HIV infection using HIV antibody testing from saliva to improve the situation as regards HIV/AIDS infection in prison institutions in the Slovak Republic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised adult and juvenile males of grade one correction categories and prisoners from the prison for juveniles in Martin, as well as females prisoners in Nitra. Preventive activities were implemented in May 1998 in the form of discussions concerning topics related to HIV/AIDS infection. Saliva was collected for the presence of HIV antibodies and a questionnaire regarding sexual practice was completed. RESULTS: 32 persons [8 adult males (25%), 6 juvenile males (18.7%) and 18 females (56%)] were voluntarily tested for the presence of HIV antibodies in saliva. Nobody was HIV-positive. 75 persons (20 adult males, 30 juvenile males and 25 females) were involved in the study of risk behaviour. 40.8% participants had primary education, 28.2% secondary education, 2.8% were students of universities and 28.2% were apprenticies. 60% inmates (mostly females) were religious. Juvenile males reported the highest number of partners while females the smallest (p < 0.001). The more partners were reported by respondents, the lower was condom usage (p < 0.07). 47.6% females relied on credibility of partners, while 75% adult males and 50% adolescent males did not use protection. 0% females, 5% adult males and 10.3% juvenile males reported to have homosexual contacts outside prison while 19%, 5.6% and 8.3% in the prison, respectively. Paid sexual services were offered by 9.1% females, 15.8% adult males and 25% juvenile males. Outside prison adult and juvenile males used non-sterile used syringes as well as tattooing more often than females (p < 0.07 and p < 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study provides information on the results of HIV-antibody testing in saliva. The results are based on a study of risk behaviour and difficulties linked with HIV/AIDS prevention among prisoners.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Dependence for daily life activities in the prison population in Western France].

OBJECTIVE: As the mean age of the penitential population rises and the duration of imprisonment grows longer, health services are confronted with the problem of prisoners dependent for daily life activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the number of prisoners dependent for daily life activities and quantify their dependency on human and material support. METHODS: A survey was conducted in the summer of 2,000 in the western region of France (19 prisons in the following regions: Pays-de-Loire, Brittany, Lower Normandy). RESULTS: Among the 4,168 persons incarcerated in these regions, 32 dependent prisoners were identified: 21 men (mean age 57 years) and 11 women (mean age 48 years). Among these persons, 19 suffered from major or moderate dependence (GIR 1-4). The main problems involved toilet facilities, dressing, transfers, and moving about. When human support was available, it was generally provided by other prisoners. Material help was scarce. DISCUSSION: The questions of prisoner's rights, human assistance, the status of caregivers, and the need for adapted architectural, material, and medical facilities are discussed. The information collected here provides a better knowledge of prisoners' needs for support and for changes which would be necessary in the prison environment.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2004

Tuberculosis control in Malawian prisons: from research to policy and practice.

Following an operational research study in Zomba Central Prison, Malawi, in 1996, the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) and the Prison Medical Services worked together to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in prisoners. Prisoners are screened for TB on admission and during their prison sentences. A system was established of treating patients, according to NTP guidelines, while in prison and on discharge from prison. Monitoring and evaluation is undertaken using TB officers at district and regional level, and 6-monthly meetings are held with all stakeholders and the central unit to collate data and review prison TB control activities.

Directly Observed Therapy↗
PubMed2004

Persistence of a strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a prison system.

SETTING: A prison system with an average year-end census of 9084 inmates. OBJECTIVE: To determine transmission dynamics of tuberculosis over a long period; to establish whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains responsible for disease in a prison system persist; and to determine whether patients in a community whose isolates cluster with those in a prison system are linked. DESIGN: Retrospective epidemiologic analysis was performed on tuberculosis cases reported in a prison system over a 9-year period. In addition, IS6110 RFLP patterns of M. tuberculosis isolates obtained from prisoners were compared with those of other cases from the state at large. The results of the RFLP analysis and the epidemiologic investigation were compared. RESULTS: Approximately 80% of tuberculosis cases in the prison system were clustered. Over 9 years, a single strain of M. tuberculosis accounted for more than 50% of cases. Patients from the community at large who were infected with the same strain were linked to the prison system. CONCLUSION: In spite of intensive tuberculosis control efforts, a single strain of M. tuberculosis has persisted in the prison system. Its persistence is accounted for by activation of latent infection in patients who, prior to being diagnosed and treated, infected other patients, who then sustained the transmission chain.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The Korydallos, Greece, prisons telemedicine system experience: why technology alone is not a sufficient condition.

In 1999 the Greek Ministry of Justice decided to utilise telemedicine to improve health services in the largest prison in Greece (Korydallos Prison). The Nikea Hospital in Piraeus undertook to support the effort. For 12 months following installation, intensive "hands-on" training on the use of the system was offered to the staff of both the Korydallos Prison and the Nikea Hospital. However serious operational problems related either to prison bureaucracy or to the inflexibility the Greek National Health Service has annulled the effectiveness of the Korydallos Prison telemedicine system. Still, analysis of the system development history reveals that: (1) if freed from bureaucratic and labour related obstacles, prison telemedicine is a viable option. (2) Telemedicine can avert transfers to out-of-prison medical facilities. (3) If properly implemented, telemedicine can generate substantial savings and (4) telemedicine can greatly improve the quality of care available to prisoners.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed2006

Seroprevalence of HIV among male prisoners in Lagos State, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of HIV I & II antibodies among prisoners in Lagos State. PATIENTS & METHODS: A total of 300 male prisoners from Kirikiri Maximum and Medium security prisons and Ikoyi prisons had their blood samples screened for antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types I & II by ELISA-based technique using immunocomb II HIV I & II Bispot kits. Samples that were positive were confirmed by another ELISA-based technique using immunocomb I & II combifirm kits. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HIV antibodies was 6.7, which translated to 20 of the 300 prisoners screened. Only one (0.3) of the prisoners had HIV II infection, the rest being due to HIV I. There was no prisoner with concomitant HIV I & II infection. The age groups 20-29 and 30-39 were most affected. CONCLUSION: The finding of 6.7 as prevalence in this study, which is slightly higher than the national prevalence in the year 2000 confirms that there may be activities in the prisons that increase the risk of acquiring HIV infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of tuberculosis educational activities for prisoners in Honduras.

SETTING: Prisons throughout Honduras. OBJECTIVE: To assess the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to improve non-standardized tuberculosis (TB) educational campaign materials utilized in prisons. DESIGN: A qualitative assessment was conducted. Prison staff completed a survey describing development and implementation of educational activities at each prison (n=25). Completed surveys with photographs or copies of educational materials were collected and cataloged. The content, literacy demand, illustrations, learning stimulation, and cultural appropriateness of cataloged items were assessed using an adapted version of the Suitability Assessment of Materials Instrument. Results from this assessment were examined in conjunction with information collected through focus groups conducted with prisoners and interviews with prison staff. RESULTS: Campaign strengths included the development and dissemination of print materials appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels. By actively engaging prisoners in the campaigns, materials often incorporated the language, values, and experiences encountered within prison culture. Content of print materials and presentations focused on correcting misperceptions and facilitating acceptance of TB control activities. Campaign weaknesses included the creation of illustrations that could perpetuate the stigma associated with TB and use of some materials in which the purpose was not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The campaigns were generally suitable, and the evaluation allowed for their improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Infection with hepatitis C virus in a prison environment. A prospective study in Loos-lez-Lille, France].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers, and risk factors of contamination in a prison population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight hundred and six prisoners were prospectively included, at the moment of their imprisonment, between December 1st 1995 and May 31st 1996. Each prisoner was included in a group "drug abusers" or "non drug abusers" based on a clinical examination. Serum anti-HCV antibodies were tested in each group. Other risk factors were also analysed (type of drug abuse, share of syringes and needles, blood transfusion, haemodialysis, and hemophilia). RESULTS: Among the 806 prisoners, 30.3% were anti-HCV positive. Four hundred and thirty nine prisoners (54.4%) were placed in the "drug abuser" group and 367 (45.5%) in the "non drug abuser" group. In the first group, 55.6% were anti-HCV positive (80% of the prisoners who were intravenous drug users and 10.8% for the others) and 4.2% were anti-HCV positive in the second group. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the prisoners entering our center were drug abusers and half were anti-HCV antibody positive. HCV infection is a major public health problem in prison.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Value of drug screening in granting leave of absence to prisoners].

Permitting prisoners to leave the prison for a certain time is one basic element of rehabilitation. As a rule, the inmate is not allowed to leave the prison before a psychologist or psychiatrist is consulted. A considerable number of criminals have committed crimes under the influence of addictive drugs. Many of them continue to indulge in drug abuse even in prison. Therefore, a special programme was introduced in the prison of Graz-Karlau in Austria. In the course of this programme, inmates who are about to leave prison are made to undergo a urinarlysis with immunological methods. In 1997, positive results were registered in 95 of 678 tested prisoners. Thus, this method is an effective means of determining whether prisoners may be granted a temporary release. Persons with a positive urine test may be refused permission. At the same time, every inmate with a positive test may avail himself of an appropriate treatment programme.

Austria↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence and characteristics of mental disorders in jails and prisons.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The published literature from 2004 on mental disorders in jails and prisons was reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: A number of important studies on prisoner suicide, older prisoners, prison medical services and inmate mental health are highlighted, which provide useful potential interventions to improve the care of mentally ill prisoners. Relevant pieces on ethical issues are also discussed. SUMMARY: Despite increasing prison populations worldwide and robust evidence that serious mental disorders are common in inmates in Western countries, many key issues in the treatment of mentally disordered prisoners remain unanswered. In addition, the evidence base on the nature and prevalence of mental disorders in prisoners in non-Western countries remains small.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of drug prescription at the Geneva prison's outpatient service in comparison to an urban outpatient medical service.

PURPOSE: To analyse non-psychotropic drug prescription in a prison outpatient clinic in comparison with an urban medical outpatient service. METHODS: Comparative study during 3 weeks at Geneva: prison outpatient service and medical policlinic (MP) of the University Hospital. RESULTS: The most often prescribed non-psychotropic drugs at the Geneva prison were systemic analgesics (mostly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and paracetamol), dermatologicals, systemic anti-infectives and drugs for the gastrointestinal system. For most types of non-psychotropic drugs, frequency of prescription as well as the prescribing patterns were similar in the prison ambulatory service and the urban MP. Dermatologicals were prescribed more frequently at the prison than at the MP. Analgetics have been prescribed mainly for osteoarticulary reasons, especially low back pain at the MP, and for traumatism and headache at the prison. CONCLUSIONS: The higher frequency of dermatological prescriptions could be due to prison environmental factors. We do not have arguments for any overprescription of analgesics or other non-psychotropic drugs. The data did not show any prescription or co-prescription of several substances that violated clinical guidelines.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Parents in Prison: a child abuse and neglect prevention strategy.

Parents in Prison is an innovative family support service housed at the Tennessee State Prison for Men. Developed in response to inmates' recognition of the need for child abuse and neglect prevention services relevant to men who are in prison, the program model has potential for becoming a major service delivery strategy. Leadership for Parents in Prison is provided by an inmate committee which receives consultation and assistance from a community advisory board and an institutional sponsor. Program components--correspondence and classroom courses, monthly events featuring community guest speakers, and family-focused social activities and projects--address family needs during incarceration and upon return to community living. These diverse components and the flexible service delivery format permit widespread inmate participation not readily available in a prison setting. Parents in Prison successes demonstrate that the period of incarceration can be used to improve parental skills and knowledge and to strengthen family relationships. They also demonstrate the viability of a family support service which relies on inmate leadership, community volunteer participation, and institutional support. The future success of this model depends on replication in other prison settings, dissemination of the program products which have been and continue to be developed, and rigorous, systematic examination of the impact that participation has on child abuse and neglect problems associated with a father's incarceration.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Methadone maintenance in prison: evaluation of a pilot program in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and evaluate a pilot methadone maintenance program for heroin-dependent inmates of Las Malvinas men's prison in San Juan, Puerto Rico. METHODS: Data from self-report of inmates' drug use before and during incarceration, attitudes about drug treatment in general and methadone maintenance in particular, and expectations about behaviors upon release from prison and from testing inmates' urine were analyzed comparing program patients (n=20) and inmates selected at random from the prison population (n=40). Qualitative data obtained by interviewing program staff, the correctional officers and superintendent, and commonwealth officials responsible for establishing and operating the program were analyzed to identify attitudes about methadone and program effectiveness. RESULTS: Heroin use among prisoners not in treatment was common; 58% reported any use while incarcerated and 38% reported use in past 30 days. All patients in the treatment program had used heroin in prison in the 30 days prior to enrolling in treatment. While in treatment, the percentage of patients not using heroin was reduced, according to both self-report and urine testing, to one in 18 (94% reduction) and one in 20 (95% reduction), respectively. Participation in treatment was associated with an increased acceptance of methadone maintenance. Prison personnel and commonwealth officials were supportive of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The program appears to be a success, and prison officials have begun an expansion from the current ceiling of 24 inmates to treat 300 or more inmates.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Space, place and movement as aspects of health care in three women's prisons.

This paper focuses on prison as a place in which the prisoner seeks health and health services. Drawing on the work of Henri LeFebvre, Edward Casey, Jeffrey Malpas, and Michel Foucault, a spatial analysis examines the constitutive roles of movement, social structure, and power in determining the prisoner's access to health care. The research methodology utilizes quantitative and qualitative analysis of women prisoners' attempts to get treatment for their health problems. The narratives of these often-failed attempts construct prison as a place where health care access is continually thwarted by rules, custodial priorities, poor health care management, incompetence, and indifference. Analysis of spatial practices, representations of space, and spaces of representation demonstrate the imposition of structural ordering, its naturalization, and the role of narrative in questioning the order, thereby creating possibilities for imaginary and real places where the prisoners' health needs can be met. Simultaneously, this analysis illuminates basic ethical questions about the limitations of human connection and medical caring in prison settings, regardless of the personal motivation of the caregiver.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Prison suicide in Finland, 1969-1992.

BACKGROUND: All prisoners' suicides in Finland during 1969-1992 (n = 184) were studied. METHOD: The data were collected from official documents. RESULTS: Of all prisoners' deaths, 47% were suicides. The rate of suicide among male prisoners was three-fold compared to the normal adult Finnish male population. More than half of those committing suicide had a psychiatric disturbance and one half of them had visited the prison health services because of a psychiatric problem not more than one week before the suicide. Almost one third of the suicides were committed in isolation rooms. Contrary to the findings of many previous studies, there was no concentration of suicides at weekends, on religious holidays, in different seasons nor at the beginning of the confinement. CONCLUSIONS: The most important finding of this study was the common use of health care facilities in the prison just before the suicide. It is important to try to develop the means to recognize suicidal ideation among all prisoners seeking psychiatric care. The surveillance of prisoners in isolation cells needs to tighten up and should probably be continuous.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The effect of incarceration on prisoners' perception of their health.

The aim of the study is to assess the quality of life among male prisoners using the French version of the Nottingham Health Profile, then to investigate the influence of incarceration on emotional reaction. Before the obligatory medical examination at reception into prison, self-administration by prisoners of the French version of the Nottingham Health Profile. Two prisons in Toulouse (south-western France) are concerned: 199 men are included. The score of each dimension on the French version of the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire and the responses to questions on socio-demographic and penal characteristics and results of medical survey have been studied. The response rate and rate of completion for each dimension are excellent (100%). Considerable evidence is found for the reliability of the Nottingham Health Profile (Cronbach a > 0.72 for all dimensions except energy 0.64 and physical mobility 0.64) and for construct validity in terms of distinguishing between groups with expected health differences. Three variables concerning aspects of life in prison are correlated with variation of the emotional reaction dimension. The Nottingham Health Profile can be used in prison populations. It is easy to use, acceptable to inmates, and fulfils stringent criteria of reliability and validity. It allows recognition of the factors correlated with variation of emotional reaction classically connected with suicidal behaviour in prison.

Adult↗