International Journal of Prisoner Health最新文献

{"title":"Prisoners with reduced criminal responsibility stand out based on their rates of hospitalisation during their sentences.","authors":"Miisa Törölä, Mika Rautanen","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-05-2022-0032","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-05-2022-0032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Globally, health problems are very common among prisoners. A mental state examination aims to help in recognising psychiatric problems among offenders and the possible association of these psychiatric issues with their committed crime. The legal-medical term \"reduced criminal responsibility\" refers to a weakened sense of reality and the ability to control one's behaviour because of compromised mental health and without an evaluated need for forensic psychiatric hospitalisation. However, little is known about the actual need for the health care of prisoners with reduced criminal responsibility (PRCR). The purpose of this study was to explore treatment-related visits to prison by PRCR in Finland.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The research data comprise information on PRCR's treatment-related visits and that of a matched control group (<i>n</i> = 222). Descriptive cross-tabulation with X²- and nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-tests and Cox regression analyses are applied.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The results show that almost every PRCR had at least one treatment-related visit during their sentences. Visits to a psychiatric hospital for prisoners, to the prison hospital and especially to a civil hospital are more common among PRCR. The need for treatment appears significantly earlier in their sentences.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>These findings demonstrate the PRCR's greater need for access to health services and the need for further development between the Health Care Services for Prisoners, Prison and Probation Service of Finland and public health and social services in Finland. More exploration of the medical reasons and locational distribution of the vast amount of civil hospitalisation is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10845016/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10215739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF in a population of older adults in prison: measuring quality of life in a carceral setting.","authors":"Adrian J Archuleta, Stephanie Grace Prost, Seana Golder","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-07-2022-0042","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-07-2022-0042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Valid and reliable measurement is critical to the assessment and evaluation of health interventions. However, few scholars have examined the psychometric properties of \"gold standard\" measures in carceral settings, and no research has explored the reliability, validity and factor structure of the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) BREF among older adults incarcerated in prison, a large and growing population marked by substantial chronic and life-limiting illness. This study aims to examine the reliability, validity and factor structure of the WHOQOL-BREF.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Secondary data from a large-scale study with older adults (age 45+) incarcerated in a Midwestern state were used (<i>N</i> = 499). Floor and ceiling effects were examined, as was the reliability of the measure (Cronbach's alpha). The structural validity of a four-factor and second-order four-factor model of the WHOQOL-BREF was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Model data fit was examined using chi-square, standardized root mean square residual, comparative fit indices, Akaike information criterion and the Bayesian Information Criterion. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were also used to assess validity.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Results indicate adequate construct validity and reliability for the WHOQOL-BREF using the current sample. Model-data fit indexes also reveal adequate structure of the measure relative to other older adult samples. Non-random data and item exclusion are noteworthy limits, and future researchers are encouraged to co-conceptualize and operationalize life quality with older adults who are incarcerated.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF among older adults incarcerated in prison.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10234695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Attentional impulsivity accounts for the association of antisociality with craving and mental health problems in incarcerated individuals with substance dependence.","authors":"Daniela Reichl, Bruno Heindl, Anette Lea Distler, Sabine Steins-Loeber","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-03-2022-0023","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-03-2022-0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Prisoners with substance use disorder (SUD) are at risk of mental health problems. Given the common co-occurring of psychopathic traits with SUDs, probably because of underlying impulsive traits (Ellingson <i>et al.</i>, 2018), this study aims to examine the relation between psychopathy (impulsive antisociality and fearless dominance) and the functioning of incarcerated individuals with SUD. The authors investigated whether impulsivity (motor, nonplanning and attentional) can account for the relationship between one psychopathy facet (impulsive antisociality) and craving and mental health problems.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors assessed self-reported impulsivity, psychopathy, craving and mental health problems in 121 male incarcerated individuals with SUD and calculated cross-sectional linear regression analyses and mediation models.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Impulsive antisociality was positively related to all impulsivity facets, craving and mental health problems. Attentional impulsivity mediated the relationship of impulsive antisociality with craving and mental health problems. Fearless dominance was related to lower attentional and nonplanning impulsivity, craving and mental health problems.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Future studies should investigate these relations in longitudinal studies and evaluate tailored approaches, for example, mindfulness interventions.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Interventions to reduce craving and improve mental health might be important for those who display self-centered, antisocial behavior but are less relevant for those with fearless, dominant interpersonal behavior. Addressing attentional impulsivity may be of special interest in this regard.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study was the first to investigate the mediating role of different impulsivity facets for the association of impulsive antisociality with craving and with mental health problems in incarcerated individuals with SUD.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10215734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Overcrowded but lonely\": exploring mental health and well-being among young prisoners in Cambodia.","authors":"Puthy Pat, Kerstin Edin, Bhoomikumar Jegannathan, Miguel San Sebastian, Linda Richter Sundberg","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-02-2023-0011","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-02-2023-0011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Young prisoners are one of the most vulnerable groups in society for mental health problems and ill-being. Therefore, there is a crucial need to understand their physical, psychological and social situations. This study aims to explore young Cambodian prisoners' experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being, their determinants and their coping strategies.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Six focus group discussions were carried out in three prisons with a total of 48 young prisoners between the ages of 15 and 24 years (50% women, 50% men). Semi-structured questions guided the discussions, and thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Young prisoners reported multifaceted experiences of mental health and well-being. The majority described adverse mental health experiences, while some revealed better well-being, partly influenced by the socio-economic support from outside the prisons and previous involvement or not in drug abuse. The experience of physical overcrowding without emotional attachment among the fellow prisoners was perceived as the overarching determinant of loneliness and mental health problems, while socio-emotional support and rituals were described as the most important coping mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This pioneering study from Cambodia gives young prisoners an opportunity to voice their experiences and perceptions of mental health and well-being in the prison setting. The findings in this study underline the importance of prison authorities tackling overcrowding to promote well-being and reduce mental health problems. Also, the coping mechanisms outlined by the participants should be considered when planning psychosocial interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10812882/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9747426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"General and reproductive healthcare experiences of formerly incarcerated women in the United States: a qualitative study.","authors":"Sarah K O'Connor, Rachna Vanjani, Rachel Cannon, Mary Beth Dawson, Rebecca Perkins","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-09-2021-0094","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-09-2021-0094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The US prison population has recently reached an all-time high, with women representing the fastest growing subpopulation. Correctional health-care system in the USA remains fragmented and nonuniform in practice, particularly in women's health care, with poor transitions between incarceration and release. This study aims to examine the qualitative health-care experiences of women while incarcerated and their transition into the community health-care setting. Additionally, this study also examined the experiences of a subset of women who were pregnant while incarcerated.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>After obtaining institutional review board approval, adult, English-speaking women with a history of incarceration within the past 10 years were interviewed using a semi-structured interview tool. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive content analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The authors completed 21 full interviews and identified six themes that were both the most significant and most novel: \"feeling stigmatized and insignificant,\" \"care as punishment,\" \"delay in care,\" \"exceptions to the rule,\" \"fragmentation of care\" and \"obstetric trauma and resilience.\"</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Women face numerous barriers and hardships when accessing basic and reproductive health-care services while incarcerated. This hardship is particularly challenging for women with substance use disorders. The authors were able to describe for the first time, partially through their own words, novel challenges described by women interacting with incarceration health care. Community providers should understand these barriers and challenges so as to effectively reengage women in care upon release and improve the health-care status of this historically marginalized group.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9541793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence and diagnostic accuracy during a COVID-19 outbreak in a major penitentiary complex in Brazil, June to July 2020.","authors":"Fernando Augusto Gouvea-Reis, Danniely Carolinne Soares da Silva, Lairton Souza Borja, Patrícia de Oliveira Dias, Jadher Percio, Cassio Peterka, Janaína de Oliveira, Giselle Sodré, Claudia Mendes Feres, Wallace Dos Santos, Fábio Souza, Ana Izabel Passarella Teixeira, Daiani Cristina Cilião-Alves, Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero, Elza Ferreira Noronha, Julio Croda, Rodrigo Haddad, Walter Massa Ramalho, Camile de Moraes, Wildo Navegantes de Araújo","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-08-2021-0083","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-08-2021-0083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to estimate the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and evaluate the accuracy of an antibody rapid test compared to a reference serological assay during a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison complex housing over 13,000 prisoners in Brasília.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors obtained a randomized, stratified representative sample of each prison unit and conducted a repeated serosurvey among prisoners between June and July 2020, using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA). Samples were also retested using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) to compare SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and 21-days incidence, as well as to estimate the overall infection fatality rate (IFR) and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LFIA test.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This study identified 485 eligible individuals and enrolled 460 participants. Baseline and 21-days follow-up seroprevalence were estimated at 52.0% (95% CI 44.9-59.0) and 56.7% (95% CI 48.2-65.3) with LFIA; and 80.7% (95% CI 74.1-87.3) and 81.1% (95% CI 74.4-87.8) with CLIA, with an overall IFR of 0.02%. There were 78.2% (95% CI 66.7-89.7) symptomatic individuals among the positive cases. Sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were estimated at 43.4% and 83.3% for IgM; 46.5% and 91.5% for IgG; and 59.1% and 77.3% for combined tests.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The authors found high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the prison complex. The occurrence of asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of periodic mass testing in addition to case-finding of symptomatic individuals; however, the field performance of LFIA tests should be validated. This study recommends that vaccination strategies consider the inclusion of prisoners and prison staff in priority groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41993089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multi-stakeholder situation assessment of COVID-19 disease preparedness and mitigation measures in a large prison complex in Malawi.","authors":"Vincent Jumbe, Victor Mhango, Adamson Muula, Ruth Kaima, Luntha Rosemary Chimbwete, Apatsa Mangwana, Benjamin Msutu, Lisa Tembo, Charlotte Bigland, Stephanie Kewley, Marie Claire Van Hout","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-10-2021-0105","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-10-2021-0105","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;Prisons in the sub-Saharan African region face unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Malawi, the first prison system case of COVID-19 was notified in July 2020. While prison settings were included in the second domestic COVID-19 response plan within the Law Enforcement cluster (National COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, July-December 2020), they were initially not included in the K157bn (US$210m) COVID-19 fund. The purpose of the study was to assess prison preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in Malawi..&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;A multi-method situation assessment of the COVID-19 response and human rights assurance of prisoners and staff was conducted in a large prison complex in Malawi. Qualitative research underpinned by the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological (EPP) framework consisted of interviews with key informants such as prison health personnel, senior prison staff, penal and judicial policymakers, government and civil society organisations (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 14) and focus group discussions with consenting male (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 48) and female prisoners (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 48) and prison wardens (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 24). Prison site visits were supported by detailed observations based on the World Health Organisation Checklist for COVID-19 in prisons (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 9). Data were collected and analysed thematically using the EPP stepwise approach and triangulated based on Bronfenbrenner's model conceptualising COVID-19 as a multi-level event disrupting the prison eco-system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;The results are presented as MICRO-MESO level individual and community experiences of incarceration during COVID-19 spanning several themes: awareness raising and knowledge of COVID-19 in prisons; prison congestion and the impossibility of social distancing; lack of adequate ventilation, hygiene and sanitation and provisions and correct use of personal protective equipment; MESO-MACRO level interplay between the prison community of prisoners and staff and judicial policy impacts; medical system COVID-19 response, infrastructure and access to health care; COVID-19 detection and quarantine measures and prisoner access to the outside world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Originality/value: &lt;/strong&gt;This unique situation assessment of the Malawian prison system response to mitigate COVID-19 illustrates the dynamics at the micro-level whereby prisoners rely on the state and have restricted agency in protecting themselves from disease. This is due to severe structural inadequacies based on low resource allocation to prisons leading to a compromised ability to prevent and treat disease; an infirm and congested infrastructure and bottlenecks in the judicial system fuelling a continued influx of remand detainees leading to high overcapacity. Multi-pronged interventions involving key stakeholders, with prison management and line Ministry as coordinators are warranted to optimise COVID-19 intervent","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9459627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with changes in illicit opioid use during the COVID-19 pandemic among incarcerated people who use drugs in Quebec, Canada.","authors":"Hyejin Park, Blake Linthwaite, Camille Dussault, Alexandros Halavrezos, Sylvie Chalifoux, Jessica Sherman, Lina Del Balso, Jane A Buxton, Joseph Cox, Nadine Kronfli","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-06-2022-0038","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-06-2022-0038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>People who use drugs (PWUD) have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine changes in illicit opioid use and related factors among incarcerated PWUD in Quebec, Canada, during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors conducted an observational, cross-sectional study in three Quebec provincial prisons. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires. The primary outcome, \"changes in illicit opioid consumption,\" was measured using the question \"Has your consumption of opioid drugs that were not prescribed to you by a medical professional changed since March 2020?\" The association of independent variables and recent changes (past six months) in opioid consumption were examined using mixed-effects Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Crude and adjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 123 participants (median age 37, 76% White) were included from January 19 to September 15, 2021. The majority (72; 59%) reported decreased illicit opioid consumption since March 2020. Individuals over 40 were 11% less likely (95% CI 14-8 vs 18-39) to report a decrease, while those living with others and with a history of opioid overdose were 30% (95% CI 9-55 vs living alone) and 9% (95% CI 0-18 vs not) more likely to report decreased illicit opioid consumption since March 2020, respectively.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The authors identified possible factors associated with changes in illicit opioid consumption among incarcerated PWUD in Quebec. Irrespective of opioid consumption patterns, increased access to opioid agonist therapy and enhanced discharge planning for incarcerated PWUD are recommended to mitigate the harms from opioids and other drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10598516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9460182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral health in prison: an integrative review.","authors":"Kjersti Berge Evensen, Vibeke Hervik Bull","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-08-2021-0081","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-08-2021-0081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Prisoners' oral health is an often overseen, yet important aspect of the general health of prisoners. To develop effective measures to improve the situation, it is important to get an overview of existing research. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse existing research on oral health of prisoners and provide a thorough understanding of prisoners' oral health and related factors.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Due to relatively few scientific papers on prisoners' oral health, an integrative review was chosen. Integrative reviews allow for the inclusion of diverse methodologies. A literature search was conducted, followed by an assessment of the quality of the studies by using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the studies.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The few studies addressing European prisoners' oral health in the last 21 years differ in design and methodology. The results from this review indicate that prisoners' oral health is a complex phenomenon and should be understood from both individual and organisational perspectives. More research is needed to bridge the gap in the literature on prisoners' oral health.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first literature review on European prisoners' oral health.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44734640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"We sleep 10cm apart so there is no social distancing\": COVID-19 preparedness in a Zimbabwean prison complex.","authors":"Rosemary Mhlanga-Gunda, Simbarashe Rusakaniko, Anne Nyararai Chinyuku, Valentine Farai Pswarayi, Charmaine Sabrina Robinson, Stephanie Kewley, Marie Claire Van Hout","doi":"10.1108/IJPH-10-2021-0101","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJPH-10-2021-0101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Prisons in Africa face unprecedented challenges during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In July 2020, the first prison system case of COVID-19 was notified in Zimbabwe. Subsequently, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services released their COVID-19 operational plan. The purpose of the study was to assess preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in selected prisons in Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A multi-method situation assessment of COVID-19 preparedness was conducted across three Zimbabwean prisons. The World Health Organization checklist to evaluate preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons was administered to frontline health managers. Information garnered was further explored during site observation and in multi-stakeholder key informant interviews with policymakers, prison health directorate, frontline health-care professionals, officers in charge and non-governmental organizations (<i>n</i> = 26); focus group discussions with correctional officers (<i>n</i> = 18); and male/female prisoners (<i>n</i> = 36). Data was triangulated and analyzed using content thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Outdated infrastructure, severe congestion, interrupted water supply and inadequate hygiene and sanitation were conducive to ill-health and spread of disease. Health professionals had been well-trained regarding COVID-19 disease control measures. COVID-19 awareness among prisoners was generally adequate. There was no routine COVID-19 testing in place, beyond thermo scanning. Access to health care was good, but standards were hindered by inadequate medicines and personnel protective equipment supply. Isolation measures were compromised by accommodation capacity issues. Flow of prison entries constituted a transmission risk. Social distancing was impossible during meals and at night.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This unique situation assessment of Zimbabwean prisons' preparedness and approach to tackling COVID-19 acknowledges state and prison efforts to protect prisoners and staff, despite infrastructural constraints and inadequate resourcing from government.</p>","PeriodicalId":45561,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Prisoner Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9508720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}