International journal of prison health最新文献

{"title":"History of incarceration and oral health among older adults with diabetes: a population-based study of tooth loss and dental care.","authors":"Sabrina L Blank, Rodlescia Sneed","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0004","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to examine associations between history of incarceration (HOI) and two oral health outcomes (tooth loss and dental care utilization) among older adults with diabetes, as well as identify factors that may mediate these associations.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors used self-report data from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (a population-based study of adults aged >50 in the USA) to evaluate associations between HOI and the two oral health outcomes, controlling for demographics.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>HOI was associated with greater odds of permanent tooth loss (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.08-1.90) and reduced odds of dental care utilization in the past two years (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53-0.92). After adjusting for social support and perceived provider mistrust, the association remained but was attenuated (direct effect = -0.310, p = 0.030). Further, 11% of the total effect was explained by the mediators, with social support accounting for 74% of the indirect effect, and perceived provider mistrust accounting for the remaining 26%.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Findings are limited by the study design. This cross-sectional study had data that was collected at one point in time. Thus, long-term follow-up could not occur. Additionally, the HRS does not differentiate between prison and jail, and health disparities tend to differ between jail and prison. Evidence from this study was preliminary and correlational, and longitudinal work should be conducted.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>There are disparities in oral health indicators among those with diabetes based on HOI. Future research should identify barriers to oral health diabetes management in prison and test potential interventions to improve diabetes management following release from prison.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to provide evidence of oral health disparities among older adults with diabetes with a history of incarceration. No study has yet investigated these important health markers in individuals with a history of incarceration. This is important for future intervention to improve healthcare in the justice system.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"208-220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145902122","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":"Beyond contextual stressors: uncertain reflective functioning, loneliness and emotional exhaustion as psychological correlates of perceived stress in prison officers.","authors":"Antonia Sorge, Alessandro Musetti, Gianluca Bianchi, Mattia Pezzi, Christian Franceschini, Denise Vagnini, Emanuela Saita","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-09-2025-0074","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-09-2025-0074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to examine how uncertain reflective functioning (RF_U), loneliness (isolation, relational connectedness and trait loneliness) and emotional exhaustion (EE) contribute to perceived stress among prison officers (POs), beyond traditional contextual factors.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 58 Italian POs (mean age = 44.3 years; 72.4% male, 27.6% female) who completed standardized self-report measures distributed via Qualtrics. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations among variables.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Correlation analysis indicated that higher perceived stress was linked to greater loneliness, particularly low relational connectedness, higher EE and greater RF_U. However, only relational connectedness and RF_U significantly predicted perceived stress in the multiple regression analysis, controlling for age, gender and job type, highlighting their key role in shaping stress responses.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>These findings suggest the potential utility of interventions targeting both external conditions and internal relational processes to effectively reduce perceived stress in POs.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12884837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146032491","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":"A descriptive study of chronic and mental illness multi- and comorbidity among older adults incarcerated in a state prison system.","authors":"Stephanie Grace Prost, Adrian J Archuleta, Seana Golder, Daniel Brian Bullman, Brie Williams","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-05-2024-0027","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-05-2024-0027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of chronic illness, multimorbidity, mental illness and comorbidity among older adults incarcerated in a Mid-South state prison system.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, gathering data through face-to-face interviews with older adults (n = 499) incarcerated in five state prisons in Kentucky.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Uncovered was a substantial prevalence of chronic diseases and mental health disorders among older adults incarcerated in a Mid-South state prison system. Specifically, hypertension was reported by 65.5% of the participants, arthritis by 52.3% and diabetes by 23%. In terms of mental health, significant findings included that 34% of the older adult population scored above the threshold for major depression, and over one-third met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Constrained by its cross-sectional design, the study may not reflect changes in chronic and mental health conditions over time. The predominantly white demographic of the Kentucky state prison system limits the generalizability of findings to more racially diverse populations.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Findings highlight the need for integrated health-care models within prison systems to address the complex, coexisting chronic and mental health conditions among older inmates.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>These findings illuminate the substantial social implications of inadequate health care for aging incarcerated persons, revealing a pressing public health issue within correctional facilities.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The study highlights the often-overlooked demographic of older adults within the correctional system, particularly within a specific geographical region of the Mid-South, which is known for its higher disease prevalence. It contributes valuable insights into the multimorbidity and comorbidity of chronic and mental health conditions among incarcerated older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"99-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145423889","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":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2025-0044","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Research limitations/implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Social implications: &lt;/strong&gt;This case highlights the impact of social inequalities, institutional trauma and syste","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"146-161"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","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}

{"title":"Substance use frequency, device-sharing, and used substances in Canadian prisons: results from Correctional Service Canada's National Health Survey.","authors":"Daniella Filoso, Kayla A Wanamaker, Marie-Pierre Gendron, Sara Johnson, Wardah Mahboob, Jonathan Smith, Shannon M Thompson, Roger Martin, Lynne Leonard, Paul Sandstrom","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2025-0023","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2025-0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Using data from Correctional Service Canada's 2022 National Health Survey, this study aims to estimate the frequency of substance use and related behaviours in federal Canadian prisons.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Participants (N = 413) were incarcerated persons who understood French or English, had been continuously incarcerated for six months before the study's launch, consented to participate and reported substance use within the previous six months while in federal prison. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire about institutional substance use.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Among people who smoked substances (78.2%), the largest proportion reported smoking every day and using marijuana. Just over one-half (51.0%) \"never\" shared (or did not know if they shared) smoking equipment with others. Among those who snorted substances (63.0%), the largest proportion reported snorting one to three days a week and using bupropion. Just under one-half (49.2%) \"sometimes\" or \"always\" shared their snorting device with others. Among those who injected substances (12.3%), the largest proportion reported injecting one to three days a week or less than one day a month and using methamphetamine. Nearly four-fifths (58.8%) shared their needle.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This study provides updated estimates of substance use among people who are incarcerated in Canadian federal prisons. Furthermore, this study provides the frequency of substance use, the most used substance types and device sharing information across three different ingestion methods, which has not been done previously.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"117-130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116014","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":"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":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2024-0076","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Research limitations/implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Social implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"131-145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","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":"Association between disability and depression among incarcerated individuals in Peru.","authors":"María Soledad Ñaupari-Barboza, Christhian Enrique Urquiso-De la Cruz, J Jhonnel Alarco","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2025-0026","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2025-0026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Globally, there are more than 10.7 million incarcerated individuals. People deprived of liberty (PDL) are at higher risk of developing depression; however, data regarding depression among PDL with disabilities remain limited. The purpose of this study is to estimate the association between disability and depression among incarcerated individuals in Peru.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Data from the First National Penitentiary Census of Peru, conducted in 2016, were analyzed. The independent variable was disability, while the dependent variable was depression diagnosed by a health-care professional within the penitentiary facility. Sociodemographic variables were included as potential confounders. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 29.9% of PDL had a disability, and 2.8% had depression diagnosed by a health-care professional within the penitentiary facility. After adjusting for confounding variables, PDL with mild (PR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.55-1.96), moderate (PR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.99-2.53) and severe disability (PR = 2.69; 95% CI: 2.35-3.09) had a higher likelihood of experiencing depression compared to PDL without a disability.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>In Peru, PDL with disabilities are more likely to experience depression compared to their counterparts without disabilities. Furthermore, the prevalence of depression increases progressively with the severity of disability. It is essential that this population group be prioritized in penitentiary mental health policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"162-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145260550","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":"Addiction treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons: lessons from Iran.","authors":"MohammadBagher SaberiZafarghandi, Sahar Eshrati, Ali Shoorsan, Amir Kohzadi","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-08-2024-0050","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-08-2024-0050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Substance use disorder is one of the most prevalent health issues among prison populations. In this regard, addiction treatment and harm reduction programs have been implemented in Iranian prisons since 2002. The purpose was to describe the practical experience of implementing harm reduction programs in Iran's prisons, emphasizing the impact of policy decisions on it.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The study was qualitative study. In addition to analyzing 16 documents, the authors conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 11 key informants who were asked questions about the evolution of treatment and harm reduction programs in prisons. The authors analyzed the data using the content analysis method and MAXQDA-10 software.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The HIV outbreak in Iranian prisons in the late 20th century posed a significant challenge. Initially, policymakers' responses were varied from denying the issue to solving it, reflecting the prevailing abstinence paradigm among drug experts and politicians. However, a legal amendment was eventually issued based on evidence-based health literature. Despite initial obstacles such as financial constraints and lack of human resources, the successful implementation of large-scale harm reduction measures, including methadone maintenance treatment and interventions targeting infectious diseases, has led to the development of a unique health model in the Persian Gulf region. This model, born out of the Iranian experience, offers hope for the future of prison health.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Lessons from the Iran case could provide valuable insight for countries about the role of policy in implementing harm reduction programs in prisons. Policy advocacy and reform is one of the main measures to provide evidence-based health interventions in prisons.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"247-259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142879395","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":"Suicide methods in the year following release from pretrial jail detention.","authors":"JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji, Lauren M Weinstock, Min Eun Jeon, Tosca D Braun, Sarah A Arias, Morgan K Cinader, Haneen Hammad, Ted Miller, Jennifer E Johnson","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0059","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Despite an increasing body of knowledge on suicide methods, no previous studies have examined methods of past suicide attempts among individuals in pretrial jail detention and a follow-up after release from jail in the USA or in any other country. This study aims to describe suicide attempt methods considered and used in one's lifetime prior to pretrial jail detention and suicide attempt methods considered and used in the year following release from pretrial jail detention.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Participants (n = 800) were recruited as part of a randomized controlled trial. They provided information on methods considered or acted on in their lifetime prior to the current pretrial jail detention as well as in the first year of release from jail.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Participants most frequently reported having considered and attempted suicide by poisoning (82% and 72.8%), cutting/piercing (47.8% and 35.3%), suffocation (42.1% and 20.8%), transportation (39.9% and 25.3%), falls and jumping (27.4% and 8.0%) prior to jail detention. After jail detention, they mostly considered and attempted suicide by poisoning (73.6% and 73.4%), cutting/piercing (28.6% and 13.9%), suffocation (33.2% and 10.1%), transportation (23.6% and 18.6%), falls and jumping (20.9% and 2.5%).</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Given that poisoning, often with drugs or alcohol, was the commonest suicide attempt method, increasing access to effective substance use treatment may help to attenuate significant suicide risk. The study has laid the foundation for future research to explore potential moderators of suicide methods as well as to assess whether the findings are applicable to other parts of the world.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"406-415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12519593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143607720","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":"Professional training of prison service workers in the Czech Republic: historical development, aspects of importance and current challenges.","authors":"Lukáš Stárek, František Vlach","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0028","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0028","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;The purpose of this paper is to analyse the historical development and current challenges of professional training for prison service staff in the Czech Republic. This study focuses on the transition from a repressive system under communism to a democratic approach emphasising human rights, ethics and professionalisation. It aims to assess the effectiveness of the current training programmes and their alignment with international standards, highlighting their impact on safety, recidivism reduction and prisoner re-socialisation. The findings aim to inform policymakers and practitioners about the importance of continuous investment in education and professional development for sustainable improvements in the prison system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;The authors focused on the basic professional training of prison service workers. Specifically, 247 people. Through the questionnaire, the authors investigated the reflection of the education itself and its benefit for the participants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;This research reveals that the professional training of prison service staff significantly enhances their preparedness, ethical standards and ability to manage crisis situations. Participants acknowledged the high quality of teaching materials and the dedication of instructors. Humanities subjects, such as law and ethics, were found challenging but essential. Well-trained staff contribute to improved prison safety and reduced recidivism. This study emphasises the necessity of ongoing education, collaboration with academic experts and modern training tools. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of tailoring training programmes to meet the evolving needs of diverse prisoner groups and the societal demand for rehabilitation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Research limitations/implications: &lt;/strong&gt;This study primarily relied on questionnaire-based data from participants in basic professional training courses, which may introduce subjective bias and limited scope. This research focused on the Czech Republic's prison system, and findings may not be directly generalisable to other contexts. Further studies could benefit from longitudinal data collection, in-depth qualitative interviews and comparative analyses across different countries. The implications emphasise the need for more comprehensive evaluation frameworks to ensure that training programmes are continuously updated in line with emerging challenges, such as increasing prisoner diversity and evolving security risks, thereby enhancing the global relevance of these findings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical implications: &lt;/strong&gt;Implementing this study's recommendations can improve the overall quality and effectiveness of prison service training. Regular updates to curricula, inclusion of modern technologies and collaboration with external experts can address the evolving needs of the prison environment. Enhanced training in crisis management, ethi","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"382-395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143019614","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}