International journal of prison health最新文献

{"title":"Aging behind bars: barriers and solutions in Norwegian correctional rehabilitation.","authors":"Paulo Rocha","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2024-0078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-12-2024-0078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to investigate the health-related challenges faced by older inmates in Norwegian prisons, focusing on how these issues influence their ability to engage in rehabilitation programs. With an increasing proportion of inmates aged 50 and above, this research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address physical, mental and social barriers to effective rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Using a mixed-methods approach, this study explores data using statistical methods as well as analyzes quantitative survey data on inmate experiences alongside qualitative feedback to provide a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Key focus areas include infrastructure accessibility, mental health support and tailored rehabilitation initiatives.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This study reveals that while existing rehabilitation efforts improve some aspects of well-being, significant gaps remain in addressing the unique challenges faced by older inmates. These include inadequate infrastructure, limited resources for mental health care and insufficient age-appropriate programs. Recommendations emphasize the importance of policy reforms and enhanced collaboration between correctional and health-care services to develop inclusive, effective rehabilitation strategies.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>By shedding light on the fastest-growing demographic in Norwegian prisons, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how age-specific approaches can improve rehabilitation outcomes. The findings have significant implications for corrections policy, promoting inclusivity, dignity and reduced recidivism through innovative and humane practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143485220","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":"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":"https://doi.org/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":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","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}

{"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":"https://doi.org/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":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","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":"Physical activities in prisons - beyond just sport. Focus on Czechia and Hungary.","authors":"Tereza Dlestikova, Márta Miklósi","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of physical activity in prisons, its link to mental health and the potential for desistance bringing the perspective of two Eastern European countries - Czechia and Hungary. The paper aims to show that sport in prison has to be seriously considered as an activity that has the potential to positively contribute to the physical and mental health of prison inmates. The aim of the paper is to show that sport in prison is a very potential rehabilitative tool. Doing sport in prison presents an opportunity for meaningful leisure and contributes to the development of good leisure habits.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The methodology integrates a literature review and legal analysis, complemented by practical experiences, which provide both theoretical and empirical understanding of the research topic; the review covers international research papers regarding sports activities in prisons and also the legal framework of the topic, both the international one and the national (Czech and Hungarian) ones providing the experience with concrete activities from the Czech and Hungarian prisons as well.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Sport in prison has to be seriously considered as an activity that has the potential to positively contribute to the physical and mental health of prison inmates. Sport in prison is a very potential rehabilitative tool. Doing sport in prison presents an opportunity for meaningful leisure and contributes to the development of good leisure habits. The possibility for prison inmates to do sports activities corresponds to a comprehensive approach to prison treatment and rehabilitation which works with leisure time as a pro-desistance factor.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>This is not extensive research, rather it is a theoretical mapping with national (Czech and Hungarian) experience.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Physical activity in prisons should be officially recognised (politically and systematically) as an activity with significant potential to improve both the physical and mental health of inmates, serving as an effective rehabilitative tool. From a systemic perspective, allowing physical activities in prisons reflects the trend towards normalising prison life, addressing issues related to prisonisation. Engaging in physical activity can bridge the gap between prison and post-release life, helping individuals maintain and cultivate pro-social habits developed during incarceration. For that reason, it should be considered as relevant part of prison throughcare and aftercare.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>Improvement of physical and mental health of prison inmates, as well as their socialisation. Increasing the rehabilitation potential of the prison system. Contribution to desistance from crime through leisure-time physical activity as a pro-desistance factor.</p><p><strong>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142825003","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":"Physical activity and wellbeing in prisoners: a scoping review.","authors":"Fabrizio Liguori, Patrizia Calella","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This scoping review aims to evaluate the impact of physical activity interventions on the well-being of incarcerated individuals. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of existing research on various forms of physical activity, including structured exercise programs, yoga and mindfulness, and their effects on both mental and physical health within prison populations.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A scoping review was conducted by searching Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science in June 2024. Keywords used included \"physical activity,\" \"exercise,\" \"fitness,\" \"sports,\" \"prisoners,\" \"inmates,\" \"incarcerated individuals,\" \"well-being,\" \"mental health,\" \"physical health,\" \"psychological well-being\" and \"emotional well-being.\" After screening 1,736 potential articles, 54 relevant studies were selected. These included structured exercise programs, yoga/mindfulness programs and evaluations of physical activity levels. Two authors independently reviewed and selected studies based on predefined inclusion criteria, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the literature on physical activity interventions in prison settings.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The review identified 12 relevant studies, revealing that physical activity interventions, including structured exercise programs, yoga and mindfulness, positively impact the psychological and physical well-being of incarcerated individuals. Consistent improvements were noted in mental health outcomes, such as reduced depression and anxiety, and enhanced physical health indicators, including lower body mass index and increased fitness levels. The findings underscore the necessity for age- and gender-specific interventions to address the unique health challenges faced by different inmate demographics, highlighting the importance of incorporating diverse and culturally relevant exercise programs in prisons.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This review uniquely synthesizes the impact of various physical activity interventions on the well-being of incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the necessity for tailored, culturally relevant programs. Notably, no previous review has comprehensively analyzed this aspect. By comparing diverse types of interventions, it provides comprehensive insights into the benefits of structured exercise, yoga and mindfulness in prison settings. This work highlights the importance of implementing physical activity in various forms, especially for female inmates, to enhance health and well-being. It offers valuable guidance for developing effective rehabilitation strategies in correctional facilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142804292","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":"LGBTQ+ lives in prisons: addressing the policy-practice gap.","authors":"Scott Thomas, Jonathan Glazzard","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this paper is to use lived experience and research to bridge the gap between LGBTQ+ policy and practice in prisons. The authors hope that this paper will ignite debate and lead to the development of policy, training and awareness across the prison estate in the United Kingdom (UK).</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This paper draws on the lived experiences of a serving prisoner, who has co-authored this paper. He identifies as gay. His examples of life behind bars depict the clear disconnect between policy and its application in practice. The authors have drawn on aspects of lived experience which best highlight gaps in policy and they have then used these to inform and justify the recommendations at the end of this paper.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This paper found that there is a clear disconnect between policy and practice in relation to supporting LGBTQ+ people in the prison estate. The findings highlight the haphazard approach to risk assessments and the manipulation of policy by both staff and prisoners.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>There is some research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in prisons in the UK, albeit limited. The authors recognise that drawing on the lived experiences of individuals calls into question the reliability of the findings and implications that they have proposed. However, these experiences do align with the existing research. There is an urgent need for further research into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within prisons.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>This paper is intended to ignite debate on the experiences and rights of LGBTQ+ prisoners. Implementing the recommendations that are outlined in this article will help to create a more consistent approach to the application of LGBTQ+ prisoners' rights.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience poor mental health. Implementing the policy recommendations will help to create more inclusive cultures within prisons. In addition, the recommendations seek to foster the development of positive attitudes through developing educational resources which aim to challenge discrimination and prejudice. This furthers the advancement of social justice and inclusion, not just in prisons but also in the community. Prisoners returning to the community are more likely to enter it with healthy and inclusive values in relation to LGBTQ+.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This paper draws on the lived experiences of a serving long-term prisoner. Thus, it provides a valuable and unique insight into day-to-day life in the prison system. This insight is valuable to both policy makers and researchers who are seeking to develop a better, more informed understanding of life behind bars for LGBTQ+ prisoners.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142776312","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":"Self-administered sexual health testing in an open prison setting: a pilot health impact assessment and social return on investment analysis.","authors":"Kathryn Ashton, Aimee Challenger, Christie Craddock, Timo Clemens, Jordan Williams, Oliver Kempton, Mariana Dyakova, Liz Green","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2024-0011","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2024-0011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The sexual health of the male prison population is often among the poorest in a country. This paper aims to identify the wider health impacts and social value of a sexual health self-sampling programme offered to male prisoners in an open prison setting in Wales.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study applied a unique pilot approach of using Health Impact Assessment and Social Return on Investment Frameworks in tandem. Key stakeholder groups affected by the intervention were identified, and engaged with through workshops, interviews and questionnaires to identify and quantify the health impacts and wider outcomes. Outcomes were then valued using proxy financial values to present the overall estimated social value of the self-sampling service.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Based on a small sample, results indicate that for every £1 spent on the self-sampling service in the prison, a potential value of £4.14 was created. This resulted in a ratio of £4.14:£1. Approximately one-third of the value created (£1,517.95) was categorised as monetarily returnable, whereas the remaining value (£3,260.40) was purely illustrative social value, for example improved mental well-being.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This unique pilot study demonstrates the health impacts and wider social value of providing a self-sampling sexual health service to prisoners within an open prison setting. By innovatively testing the feasibility of using a Health Impact Assessment process alongside Social Return on Investment analyses, this paper has outlined how the frameworks can be used in synergy to illustrate not just direct return on investment but also the social value of providing such a service.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"ahead-of-print ahead-of-print","pages":"28-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11915208/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142607375","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":"Mental health and well-being in prisons and places of detention.","authors":"Atina N Ndindeng","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0035","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to address the critical mental health challenges faced by individuals in prisons and places of detention. By introducing and validating a novel conceptual framework that integrates social determinants of health with the stress process model, this study aims to provide actionable insights for improving mental health care in correctional settings. The research seeks to inform policymakers, prison administrators and mental health professionals about effective interventions and systemic reforms that can reduce recidivism, enhance rehabilitation and promote a more humane and just criminal justice system.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study uses a multi-method research design integrating a systematic literature review, qualitative interviews, multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and a small-scale empirical study within a correctional facility. The systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines, analysing peer-reviewed articles, government reports and policy documents. Semi-structured interviews with 25 mental health professionals provide practical insights, whereas the MCE assesses intervention effectiveness based on expert consensus. The empirical study involves baseline assessments, intervention implementation and follow-up evaluations using validated tools, providing robust data to validate the proposed conceptual framework that integrates social determinants of health with the stress process model.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This study finds that mental health disorders are significantly more prevalent in prison populations than in the general population, with interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), peer support programs and trauma-informed care showing considerable effectiveness in reducing symptoms. Emerging technologies such as AI and telemedicine present promising avenues for enhancing care but require careful ethical consideration. The research also highlights the critical role of social determinants and the importance of systemic reforms, such as reducing solitary confinement and integrating prison health care with broader public health systems, in improving inmate mental health and reducing recidivism.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>This study's quasi-experimental design, while robust, may limit the generalizability of the findings to other correctional settings because of specific facility characteristics. Additionally, the sample size for qualitative interviews, although diverse, could have been larger to provide more nuanced insights, particularly for underrepresented groups. This study highlights the need for more longitudinal research to assess the long-term effects of interventions and the scalability of approaches across different cultural and legal contexts. Future studies should address these limitations by using more diverse sampling, larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods.</p><p><strong>Practical implication","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"ahead-of-print ahead-of-print","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142515890","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":"Managing COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons - a brief review of literature and key lessons learnt.","authors":"Lin Guo, Padmanabhan Badrinath, Jessica Mookherjee, Anjan Ghosh, Edyta McCallum, Nirosha Dissanayake, Abraham George","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-08-2023-0049","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-08-2023-0049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>During the COVID-19 pandemic, prisons faced a unique challenge of preventing and managing outbreaks with minimal adverse impact. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in prisons, identify lessons learnt and make recommendations.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors used the PubMed advanced search function using MeSH terms; (coronavirus, sars) AND (prisons) AND (disease outbreaks). The authors included original research reporting COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons. All other types and non-English publications were excluded. The authors used a structured data abstraction template to extract data systematically, and a second author independently abstracted data from 10% of the papers for quality assurance.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The search yielded 96 hits. The authors included 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were from four countries. Seven studies reported individual outbreaks. The mean and median number of inmates and staff were 1,765, 1,126 and 575, 510. The mean and median number of cases among inmates and staff were 584, 464, and 72, 77. The number of reported deaths varied from 0 to 11. The authors present the prison-specific hazards grouped under human factors, healthcare factors and environmental factors. The authors also summarise interventions deployed as either primary prevention interventions, such as vaccinations, or secondary prevention interventions, including screening and contact tracing.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This narrative review summarises the prison-specific hazards, which include movement of people in and out of the person, moving in new prisoners from other prisons, mixing of prisoners when transporting to courts, limited medical and isolation resources, crowded dormitories, shared lavatories, small communal facilities, poor ventilation and overcrowding. The interventions included limiting non-medical transfers into and out of the persons, assigning staff members to specific areas, encouraging face coverings among prisoners and staff and social isolation measures within the constraints of the prison setting. The interventions were adopted by prison authorities to contain and manage the outbreaks. Public Health and prison authorities need to be aware of the risk of further outbreaks of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in these settings and implement key measures identified in this review to minimise adverse outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"ahead-of-print ahead-of-print","pages":"410-421"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142485323","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":"Recent evidence on rates and factors influencing smoking behaviours after release from smoke-free prisons: a scoping review.","authors":"Ashley Brown, Clair Woods-Brown, Kathryn Angus, Nicola McMeekin, Kate Hunt, Evangelia Demou","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2023-0064","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2023-0064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Smoke-free prison policies have been introduced in some countries, in part to address very high levels of tobacco use in people in prison. However, relapse rates post-release remain high. This papers aims to improve understanding of post-release smoking and/or vaping behaviour is necessary to inform support for a priority population.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors searched health, social science and criminal justice databases for studies about smoking/vaping behaviours among people released from smoke-free prisons. Studies were included if they reported primary data and were published between January 2017 and March 2024 in English; the population was adults/young people (16 yr+) imprisoned or formerly imprisoned, in prisons with comprehensive smoke-free policies; and at least one of the following was reported: pre-release intention to smoke, vape or remain abstinent post-release; smoking/vaping behaviour post-release and factors influencing smoking/vaping behaviour; attempts to quit again following post-release smoking/vaping relapse.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Nine studies met our criteria. The evidence base is small and mainly from the USA or Australia. Evidence continues to suggest that most people resume smoking after leaving a smoke-free prison. No new interventions have been successful in reducing relapse rates. No studies report on vaping post-release, although two studies report on perceived factors affecting smoking relapse post-release from prisons allowing vaping.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Given very high rates of relapse, there remains a significant need to better understand what approaches are feasible and acceptable for reducing return to smoking post-release.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This review updates the limited evidence on smoking behaviours after leaving a smoke-free prison.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"ahead-of-print ahead-of-print","pages":"450-465"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11616588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142485324","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}