{"title":"Reimagining rehabilitation: addressing basic needs and substance use in prison environments for the common good.","authors":"Tyesia Williams, Leanne Howell, Nicholas Werse","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2025-0048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-06-2025-0048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study is to reinforce the importance of rehabilitation, which is considered to be one of the key elements in the correctional environment that deters crime and reduces the rates of recidivism. Although rehabilitation efforts, such as substance use treatment, have benefits, the condition of the prison environment, specifically the lack of basic needs, can thwart the efforts of the rehabilitative process. This study builds upon previous research to propose institutional adjustments to the incarceration environment to better support rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study builds upon the implications of a previously conducted qualitative case study that used semi-structured individual interviews, a focus group and site observations at a Louisiana facility to explore five incarcerated individuals' access to the five basic needs and uncover barriers to self-actualization while in substance use treatment programs. The findings were leveraged to determine best practices for creating an environment more conducive to rehabilitation and treatment.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This study argues for three actionable changes to the Department of Corrections system that can support rehabilitation efforts more effectively: improvements in meeting one of humanity's most essential needs - adequate and nutritious food, initiatives to improve incarcerated individuals' sense of safety and enhanced correctional officer training.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The environment in which substance use treatment is administered has the potential to be beneficial or detrimental to the rehabilitative process. Providing correctional institutions with the knowledge necessary to confront hindrances to successful treatment has the potential to change the trajectory of rehabilitative efforts and recidivism.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145350973","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":"\"The black box of scary memories\": a prison-based trauma intervention case report.","authors":"Chris Millar","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2025-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-06-2025-0044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Women in prison face profound challenges, including high rates of trauma and gender inequalities. This paper aims to explore the barriers to delivering effective psychotherapy in these settings and the importance of approaches tailored to women's specific needs.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A case study is presented of \"Clare\", a white, British woman in her early 30s, with diagnoses of autism and severe depression, serving a life sentence for murder in a women's prison in England. The intervention combined cognitive behavioural therapy with systemic working delivered within a National Health Service commissioned service. Outcomes were assessed using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation and Problem Behaviour Checklist, supported by qualitative reflections on therapeutic resources, strengths and limitations.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The intervention produced significant improvements suggesting partial support for the therapeutic approach. The case highlights the therapeutic potential of collaborative and tailored interventions, while recognising the challenges related to gender, trauma, autism and the constraints of the prison environment. Additional complexities were noted in the context of COVID-19 and social isolation.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>This case study offers in-depth clinical insight but is limited by its single-subject design and lack of post-discharge follow-up data. The absence of longitudinal outcome measures restricts conclusions about the sustainability of change. Further research is needed to explore adapted therapeutic models for individuals with complex trauma and co-occurring neurodivergence in forensic settings. Ethical challenges surrounding consent, particularly posthumously, highlight the importance of developing clearer publication frameworks for clinical learning. Future studies could strengthen the evidence base by combining individual case data with service-level evaluations of trauma-informed approaches in secure environments.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>This paper illustrates how trauma-informed psychological therapy, adapted for neurodivergent needs, can be delivered safely and effectively within a high-security women's prison. It highlights the value of flexible, relationship-based work supported by robust supervision and multi-agency collaboration. The case emphasises the importance of formulation-driven approaches, staff training and managing systemic barriers such as restricted access, risk procedures and limited specialist services. Clinicians working in secure settings may draw on this example to inform safe and ethical trauma work, particularly when navigating complex presentations, co-occurring diagnoses and environments that often compound psychological distress.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>This case highlights the impact of social inequalities, institutional trauma and syste","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145240734","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}
Ma Regina Hechanova, Benjamin Ryan M Rañeses Iii, Annabelle M Rosco, Shera L Gosimat
{"title":"Outcomes and gender differences in a group-based in-prison program for drug offenders in the Philippines.","authors":"Ma Regina Hechanova, Benjamin Ryan M Rañeses Iii, Annabelle M Rosco, Shera L Gosimat","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2024-0076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-12-2024-0076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Literature on drug recovery programs has mostly emanated from the West, and there is a dearth of literature on drug treatment from a gender perspective. This study aims to contribute to these gaps by examining gender differences in the impact of drug counseling programs for drug offenders in the Philippines.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study consisted of 246 persons incarcerated for drug use who participated in a drug counseling program as part of their plea-bargaining agreement. Participants came from 19 jail facilities in six regions in the Philippines. The Katatagan, Kalusugan at Damayan ng Komunidad (resilience, health and care in community) for persons deprived of liberty program consisted of drug recovery, life skills and family modules. The sessions were facilitated by trained jail personnel who delivered the program in small groups, conducted once a week for up to six months. The study used a cohort design and administered pre- and post-test surveys before and after the program.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Structural equation modeling was used to test the program's theory of change. As hypothesized, the active ingredients (recovery skills, life skills and family support) were positively associated with psychological well-being, perceived quality of life and intent not to use. The active ingredients were negatively associated with substance use disorder symptoms. Analysis of variance revealed the interaction between time and gender for recovery skills, life skills, family support, well-being, intent to refuse and substance use disorder symptoms. The program had a greater effect size among female participants compared to males.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>The cohort design does not allow for causal generalizations on the impact of the program. Future studies using randomized control trials and longitudinal designs post incarceration are needed for more robust conclusions on the impact of the program. In addition, the program was created primarily to treat drug use and does not include those involved in drug distribution or manufacturing. More research is needed to address this population and identify appropriate interventions to avoid recidivism.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Majority of those incarcerated in the Philippines are because of drug charges. The study is the first in the Philippine prison setting examining gender differences in outcomes of a drug rehabilitation program. It suggests the viability of implementing a treatment program for persons who use drugs in detention facilities.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>In many countries, drug use is treated as crime. However, more than punishment, the study suggests the viability of reformation in detention facilities. These can potentially prevent recidivism and provide individuals the skills they need to achieve greater quality of life after incarceration.</p><p><","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202739","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":"Prison plates: exploring the nutrition of inmates in Lebanese prisons.","authors":"Yasmine Waddah Fakhry, Dana Joseph Haddad","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2024-0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-03-2024-0013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to explore the nutritional adequacy of food served in Lebanese prisons.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A mixed-method approach, using both qualitative and quantitative instruments, was used. Diet plans provided by Roumieh Central Prison in 2019 and 2021 were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro™ software for a comprehensive nutritional assessment. Additionally, articles pertaining to food and nutrition policy within Lebanese prison law were carefully reviewed and compared to international standards and findings from other countries.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The findings of this study reveal significant gaps in both the nutritional quality and quantity of various nutrients in the food provided to inmates.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>This study is limited to diet plans from one central prison and may not fully represent the nutritional situation across all Lebanese prisons. The findings underscore the need for reform in the nutrition policy within Lebanese prison law, advocating for a more nutritious diet that considers the quantity, quality, macronutrient and micronutrient content and food choices that reflect the needs and dietary habits of all prisoners, including migrants and refugees.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>This research highlights opportunities for improvement in the food provision system within Lebanese prisons. This study provides evidence for health experts and policymakers to advocate for and implement changes in nutrition policy to ensure the overall well-being of inmates.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>Ensuring adequate nutrition for prisoners, a marginalized population, aligns with international human rights standards and contributes to their overall well-being. Addressing the dietary needs of all prisoners, including migrants and refugees, promotes inclusivity and equity within the prison system.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This research provides an original analysis of the nutritional adequacy of food in Lebanese prisons, comparing it to both national policy and international standards and highlighting the nutritional needs of a diverse prison population.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082795","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}
Amelia Bailey, Augustine W Kang, Claudia Stagoff-Belfort, Rosemarie A Martin
{"title":"Association between vaccine uptake and SARS-CoV-2 infection among staff at a jail and prison in the USA.","authors":"Amelia Bailey, Augustine W Kang, Claudia Stagoff-Belfort, Rosemarie A Martin","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0058","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to examine the association between correctional staff occupational characteristics with vaccine uptake and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination rates among 2,016 correctional staff in the Northeast (March 27, 2020 to September 13, 2022) were examined using a cross-sectional design. Using multiple logistic regression, the authors examined vaccination status and demographic and occupational characteristics associated with infection. Logistic regression was used to assess significant predictors of infection and whether the addition of initial vaccination better predicted infection.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>About 63.9% of staff were vaccinated according to initial vaccination recommendations and 17.4% received at least one additional booster. During the study period, 47.7% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics, younger age, male sex, and no receipt of vaccination were significant predictors of infection. After accounting for variance in infection related to significant demographic and occupational factors, the addition of vaccination status better predicted infection among staff.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Vaccination status differs by staff occupational and demographic characteristics, though vaccination saliently predicts infection when controlling for variance from those characteristics. Findings can inform future vaccine uptake efforts.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>While controlling for important demographic and occupational factors, vaccine uptake predicted lower odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional staff.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819042","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":"Rocks and hard places: a clinical ethics panel in a prison health context.","authors":"Kerri Eagle, Stephen Hampton","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Australia has seen the emergence of Clinical Ethics Support Services (CESS) across health care settings over recent decades, with the exception of prison health services which can present inherent complex ethical challenges. The purpose of this paper is a descriptive report of the implementation of a CESS in a prison health service.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A literature review was done to inform the implementation of a CESS by a prison health service. Different CESS delivery models were considered and expert advice obtained from an external clinical bioethicist. A Clinical Ethics Advisory Panel (CEAP) was established and accepted referrals between October 2022 and October 2024. A preliminary review of referrals was conducted to consider whether the CEAP was achieving its objectives.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The CEAP was implemented with a membership that comprised clinical and nonclinical representatives. The CEAP received seven referrals over 24 months from staff of the organization. Six out of seven (86%) referrals involved a clinical operational issue. One referral (14%) involved an individual clinical scenario in addition to a clinical operational issue. All referrals were initiated by senior medical management.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>The CEAP has had a beneficial role in supporting staff with responsibility for ethical decision making in a prison health service. CESS can potentially provide an important source of support for frontline clinical staff and clinical management but requires further evaluation.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The implementation of a CESS in a prison health context is rarely described in the literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700852","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":"The impact of environmental and psychological factors on sleep quality among incarcerated persons at a correctional center in Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Minela Naser, Gidey Rtbey, Mamaru Melkam, Endalamaw Salelew","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-08-2024-0049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-08-2024-0049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to assess the impact of environmental and psychological factors on sleep quality among incarcerated persons at a correctional center in southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Wolaita Sodo Town Correctional Center from April 01 to 30, 2023. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to show the association of independent variables and the outcome variable. In the multivariate analysis, <i>p</i>-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A 60.2% prevalence of poor sleep quality was found among study participants. Factors such as generalized anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, history of incarceration, not engaging in physical activities and lack of income-generating opportunities while in prison were significantly associated with poor sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>The limitations of this study were that it is a cross-sectional study; therefore, causal-impact relationships cannot be determined, and the prison environment factor was assessed by a single question without a cut-off point.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>The prevalence of poor sleep quality is notably high. Screening and treatment for depression and anxiety, promoting structured physical activity, income-generating opportunities and social reintegration training are crucial to reducing and preventing poor sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>Determining the magnitude of poor sleep quality and identifying the impact of environmental and psychological factors on sleep quality is very crucial to intervene in the future.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This paper is novel by addressing the detailed psychological and environmental issues that affect the sleep quality of incarcerated people at correctional center.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045741","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":"Light behind bars: how light impacts mental health in prisons.","authors":"Alberto Urrutia-Moldes","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2024-0074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-11-2024-0074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This paper synthesises literature on non-visual effects of light in prison environments, drawing attention to disconnect between research evidence and current practices. This paper aims to guide prison designers and decision-makers towards lighting strategies that better support inmates' mental health and rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A focused literature search was conducted from June to October 2024 using Google Scholar and PubMed, targeting peer-reviewed studies published between 1985 and 2024. Included studies addressed the non-visual effects of light related to circadian rhythm, mental health, artificial and natural lighting, stress, aggression and hormonal regulation. Only English-language studies providing empirical or theoretical insights relevant to confinement settings were considered. Studies focused solely on visual performance, non-human subjects or lacking health implications were excluded. Keyword combinations were refined iteratively, although some relevant interdisciplinary work may have been missed due to indexing or terminological variations.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Neglecting the role of lighting in prison design contributes to poor psychological outcomes. Limited access to daylight and the overuse of artificial lighting with high blue light content disrupt circadian regulation, worsening sleep, mood and mental health. Conversely, designs that maximise daylight exposure and use adjustable artificial lighting with appropriate spectral qualities can promote emotional stability, reduce aggression and support rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Relevant interdisciplinary studies may still have been missed due to database indexing limitations or terminological variations across fields.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This paper bridges the gap between lighting design, environmental psychology and prison reform. By focusing on how light affects inmates' psychological health and rehabilitation, it offers insights into how prison design can be improved to foster well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050332","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}
Kate Heit, Centaine L Snoswell, Alice Holland, Stuart Alistair Kinner, Ross Coomber, Dominique de Andrade, Cheneal Puljević
{"title":"Smoking cessation support preferences among people released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.","authors":"Kate Heit, Centaine L Snoswell, Alice Holland, Stuart Alistair Kinner, Ross Coomber, Dominique de Andrade, Cheneal Puljević","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0075","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to investigate previous use, awareness and preferences for various forms of cessation support among a sample of people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A total of 114 people who were released from prison in the previous two months and reported daily tobacco use upon prison entry were recruited from 12 Probation and Parole offices across South-East Queensland to complete a survey measuring use, awareness and preferences for various forms of smoking cessation support before, during and after incarceration. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>In total, 32% of participants had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or cessation medications prior to prison, and 26% reported NRT use while in prison. Only 3% of participants accessed free Quitline telephone counselling while in prison. The development of a peer smoking cessation support group was the most favoured form of smoking cessation support both within prison (42%) and after release (52%). Despite high awareness of the availability of subsidised products upon release (76%), unsupported abstinence (\"cold turkey\") was slightly preferred as a helpful post-release cessation method (28%), compared to NRT products (24%).</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate preferences for smoking cessation support among people released from smoke-free prisons. Findings suggest that implementing prison- and community-based peer support cessation programs and facilitating widespread provision of NRT in prison and post-release should be a priority to reduce high levels of smoking-related morbidity and mortality among this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"197-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143677439","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":"\"Deaf behind bars\": a global scoping review on the situation and experiences of detained people with hearing impairment.","authors":"Libby Thomas, Emma Plugge, Marie Claire Van Hout","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0002","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The global prison population is rising, with over 11.5 million people in prison on any given day. Very little is known about hearing impairment in prison populations, despite prisons being a sound-centric closed environment. This study, a scoping review, aims to map and describe what is known about the situation and experiences of detained people with hearing impairment.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study is a global scoping review. A comprehensive search confined to the English language was conducted on Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO with no date restriction. The final data set of 28 records was charted and analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Four themes were interpretation deficits in the criminal justice process; detachment, inability to communicate and isolation in the prison soundscape; prison staff communication challenges and discriminatory views; and hearing health in prison.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The review is intended to inform the formulation of auditory disability-inclusive criminal justice strategies and practices to support those with hearing impairment when navigating the system.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"21 2","pages":"206-217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060798","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}