International journal of prison health最新文献

{"title":"Detection and prevention: evaluation of a nurse-led satellite sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing clinic initiative in an Australian correctional centre.","authors":"Amanda Nichole Balmer, Annette Brömdal, Sonya Osborne, Kathryn Kynoch, Amy Mullens, Leah East","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-09-2024-0053","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-09-2024-0053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to determine if a satellite sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing clinic increased STI/blood-borne virus testing and detection in a correctional setting in Australia.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A cohort study of males incarcerated in a correctional centre in Queensland, who voluntarily attended a satellite STI testing clinic over six months. Data were collected on purpose designed data collection sheets. A retrospective medical chart audit was conducted from three-months before commencement of the clinic until the end of the clinic period. Attendance rates for three-months following the clinic's completion were also considered. Attendance rates, treatment rates, time to treatment, follow-up rates, reinfection rates and client satisfaction were analysed using descriptive statistics, including program sustainability.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Success of the STI clinic was evidenced by an increase in attendance rates from 32/242 (13.2%) to 242/242 (100%), pre-intervention to the intervention, respectively. Treatment rates increased from 10/242 (4.1%) to 41/242 (16.9%) pre-intervention to intervention, respectively, and an increase in time to treatment from 43.11 (Std. Dev 36.77) mean days pre-intervention to 54.62 (Std. Dev 42.06) mean days during the intervention. Follow-up rates also increased from 5/242 (2.1%) pre-intervention to 24/242 (9.9%) during the intervention. Of the 242 participants, 52 received a positive STI/diagnosis with 44 being diagnosed with hepatitis C. Satisfaction was high with a mean score of 9.7 out of 10 (Std. Dev 0.685). Attendance rates showed no significant difference three-months pre- (<i>n</i> = 32) to post-intervention (<i>n</i> = 35), however, support for the intervention has continued. Future practice should incorporate satellite STI testing clinics as weekly practice.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to consider satellite STI testing within the corrections environment in Australia. The study uniquely showcased how the satellite STI clinic achieved increased STI testing attendance rates, treatment rates, follow-up rates and high satisfaction rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334738","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":"Overall and substance use-specific healthcare utilization among individuals with and without criminal justice involvement in Ontario, Canada.","authors":"Cayley Russell, Alexa Yakubovich, Patricia O'Campo, Kathleen Qu, Lesley Plumptre, Fiona Kouyoumdjian, Flora I Matheson","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Correctional populations have higher rates of substance use disorders and related healthcare visits relative to the general population. However, limited evidence on substance use-related healthcare visits exists among this population. Using population data for Ontario, Canada, this study aims to examine overall and substance use-specific healthcare visits for individuals with and without known provincial criminal justice system involvement (CJI versus non-CJI, respectively).</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This retrospective study compared overall and substance use-related healthcare visits between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2020 among provincially-incarcerated individuals (CJI group) versus those without criminal justice involvement (non-CJI group). Both groups were identified through available health administrative data and were individually matched by age, sex and material deprivation.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The authors identified and matched 208,188 individuals (59.9% male) with and without CJI and a healthcare visit. Compared to the non-CJI group, those with CJI had approximately 20 times the rate of healthcare visits for alcohol use, drug use and illicit drug-related overdoses. Among those with CJI, females had a higher prevalence of overall healthcare visits, whereas males had a higher prevalence of substance use-specific visits.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Findings highlight the high number of healthcare visits for substance use-related needs among individuals with CJI in Ontario. These results can inform efforts to enhance correctional release planning, improve access to community-based treatment and strengthen substance use prevention and treatment interventions for this high-risk population.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Results can inform efforts to enhance correctional release planning, improve access to community-based treatment, and strengthen substance use prevention and treatment interventions for this high-risk population.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first in Canada to draw on population-level administrative health data to identify and match a large sample of individuals with and without CJI and examine substance use-specific healthcare utilization, longitudinally.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144277324","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}

{"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":"Anxiety, depression and neurocognitive disorder among HIV-infected people in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan.","authors":"Nargiz Abdullayeva, Aytan Mammadbayli, Madina Taghiyeva","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0083","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to assess neurocognitive impairment, depression and anxiety level in HIV-infected individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>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 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was most commonly found among depressed patients (<i>p</i> = 0.009).</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"187-196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143082871","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}

{"title":"Trends in sexually transmitted infection diagnoses among people in prison in England, 2018-2023: analysis of surveillance and pilot seroprevalence data.","authors":"Qudsia Enayat, Kate Yorke, Dolores Mullen, Alireza Talebi, Steve Willner, Jon Dunn, Sum Yee Chan, Joseph Heskin, Katy Sinka, Stephanie J Migchelsen, Hamish Mohammed, Chantal Edge","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0073","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>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%.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"176-186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142884022","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":"Motherhood and imprisonment: a typology of mothers' identity after release.","authors":"Zahra Mirhosseini, Mahsa Larijani, Maliheh Abedi","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0030","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Imprisonment is a bitter and painful experience for women, often exacerbating the difficulties and challenges of motherhood and their relationship with their children. This study aims to explore the narratives of mothers regarding their maternal identity and present a typology of mothers with prison records as they resume contact with their children after release.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect data. It is based on the experiences and narratives of 18 Iranian women, all of whom had at least one child, who were either imprisoned or had recently been released at the time of the interviews.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three distinct types of motherhood were identified in relation to how these women encountered their children: \"Terminated motherhood,\" \"Intensified motherhood\" and \"Indifferent and hostile motherhood.\" In \"Terminated motherhood,\" the mother-child relationship is severed due to forced or voluntary loss of custody, leaving both parties with little hope of resuming their bond. \"Intensified motherhood\" in contrast, emphasizes the formation of a strong mother-child bond and mutual relationship, highlighting their connection. \"Indifferent and hostile motherhood\" represents a relationship on the brink of dissolution, where the mother-child bond may collapse at any moment due to neglect or emotional upsets.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Social and economic support is essential for maintaining and strengthening the mother-child relationship, particularly for women in the indifferent and hostile motherhood category. Such support can facilitate their reentry into society and promote healthier family interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"125-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143653111","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":"\"Looking back to look forward\": evaluation of a leadership program for prison staff designed to promote public health-focused culture change in US prisons.","authors":"Ilana Garcia-Grossman, Daryl Norcott, David H Cloud, Cyrus Ahalt, Tom Eberhardt, Brie Williams","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-05-2024-0024","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-05-2024-0024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Prisons are associated with poor health outcomes for incarcerated people and correctional staff. Efforts to remedy harmful prison conditions typically focus on litigation, legislation and administrative policy changes; however, implementing these top-down mandates is often impeded by cultural barriers among prison staff. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel intervention grounded in public health and international correctional principles, to educate and motivate frontline prison staff to lead culture change initiatives in US prisons.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Guided by an implementation science framework, researchers administered surveys and conducted semi-structured interviews with three cohorts of participants in the Amend Ambassadors Program. This study included a total of 37 participants: 28 US prison staff from four US states (Oregon, California, North Dakota and Washington) and 9 prison staff from Norway. The objectives were to assess the implementation of the program and its impacts based on the experiences of those who participated.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Results suggest that the Ambassadors program succeeded in its educational objectives, and provided participants with knowledge, skills and motivation to lead culture change projects in the prison systems where they work. Participants responded favorably to the pedagogical components of the program, and most reported improvements in their perceived levels of job satisfaction, overall well-being and inspiration to advance culture change efforts, as a result of their participation in the program.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The Amend Ambassadors program is a novel approach to educating and inspiring correctional professionals to mobilize \"ground up\" culture change initiatives focused on improving human dignity and health promotion. This formative evaluation provides new insights into the potential for interventions that combine international immersion, health promotion and experiential learning components for fostering leadership and reducing cultural resistance to prison reform among prison workforces.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"140-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143653030","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}