International journal of prison health最新文献

{"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}

{"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":"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, p-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":"336-346"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","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":"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":"347-362"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","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":"Prison plates: exploring the nutrition of inmates in Lebanese prisons.","authors":"Yasmine Waddah Fakhry, Dana Joseph Haddad","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2024-0013","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2024-0013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to explore the nutritional adequacy of food served in Lebanese prisons.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A mixed-method approach, using both qualitative and quantitative instruments, was used. Diet plans provided by Roumieh Central Prison in 2019 and 2021 were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro™ software for a comprehensive nutritional assessment. Additionally, articles pertaining to food and nutrition policy within Lebanese prison law were carefully reviewed and compared to international standards and findings from other countries.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The findings of this study reveal significant gaps in both the nutritional quality and quantity of various nutrients in the food provided to inmates.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>This study is limited to diet plans from one central prison and may not fully represent the nutritional situation across all Lebanese prisons. The findings underscore the need for reform in the nutrition policy within Lebanese prison law, advocating for a more nutritious diet that considers the quantity, quality, macronutrient and micronutrient content and food choices that reflect the needs and dietary habits of all prisoners, including migrants and refugees.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>This research highlights opportunities for improvement in the food provision system within Lebanese prisons. This study provides evidence for health experts and policymakers to advocate for and implement changes in nutrition policy to ensure the overall well-being of inmates.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>Ensuring adequate nutrition for prisoners, a marginalized population, aligns with international human rights standards and contributes to their overall well-being. Addressing the dietary needs of all prisoners, including migrants and refugees, promotes inclusivity and equity within the prison system.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This research provides an original analysis of the nutritional adequacy of food in Lebanese prisons, comparing it to both national policy and international standards and highlighting the nutritional needs of a diverse prison population.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"456-472"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145082795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining the link between perceived prison conditions and probability of recidivism among women convicts in Tihar Jail: insight on incarceration.","authors":"Inderpreet Sandhu, Rosy Malhotra","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0029","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0029","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;The purpose of this study is to fill the research gap that exists with respect to availability of research on correctional facilities in India, which restricts one's ability to comprehend the prison environment and recidivism from the perspective of the inmates. By examining inmates' perception of their environment within correctional facilities, researchers and policymakers can identify specific aspects of the prison climate that may contribute to increased risks of reoffending. This understanding would not only help to improve prison conditions and encourage humane treatment, but it is also essential to support the inmates in their efforts to find and retain employment, achieve self-sufficiency and personal growth. It is also necessary to encourage the inmates to participate in a variety of therapeutic and prison programmes both inside and outside of prison to help them reintegrate into the community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;The present research investigated the association between negative perceptions of prison climate and the heightened probability of recidivism among a sample of 37 adult women convicts incarcerated in Tihar Prisons, Delhi. Data were obtained by administering CSS-M Hindi version and PCQ Hindi version to the convicts in person in the prison premises. Furthermore, the collected data were subjected to Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient to analyse the correlation between the probability of recidivism and the dimensions of prison climate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;Results suggested that negative perceptions of relationships in prison (staff-inmate relationship, inmate-inmate relationship), safety, facilities (cell conditions, food quality, etc.), meaningful activities (recreation, education, yard time, etc.) and autonomy in prison were inversely associated with a higher probability of recidivism. The results from the current study demonstrated that recognising and taking cognisance of the inmates' perceptions of prison environment on their well-being and their probability of recidivism is crucial for the successful implementation of interventions and policies within correctional systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Research limitations/implications: &lt;/strong&gt;The sample size procured for the research was relatively small, as the number of available women convicts in Tihar Prison at the time of the research was limited, making it difficult to generalise the findings. In addition, this investigation included solely women convicts, while undertrials and detenues were excluded, and thus does not represent all the individuals in conflict with the law.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical implications: &lt;/strong&gt;The findings of the current investigation allow for the formulation of potential policy recommendations for improving the prison climate, which in turn might consequently impact future criminality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Social implications: &lt;/strong&gt;Policymakers may use these findings whe","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"21 3","pages":"325-335"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673360","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 effects of prison experience, education, and social support on inmates' mental health in Brazil.","authors":"Lucas Lima, Anna Beatriz Gomes, Louise Marques, Delcio Marques da Silva Brilhante de Araujo, Karina Ayumi Teruya, Pedro Santos, Clara Araujo, Gleiber Santos, Jesus Landeira-Fernandez, Luis Anunciação, Christopher Murray","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-04-2024-0021","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-04-2024-0021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to examine how prison experience, perceived social support, and education are related to mental health distress among Brazilian inmates.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 242 male (M age = 31.84 years, SD = 8.29) prisoners from three facilities in Brazil's Central-West region. Mental health distress was assessed using the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20), which captures anxiety, depression and somatic complaints. The scale of experience (SEP) in prison evaluates inmates' subjective experiences related to the prison environment, such as sense of safety, whereas the social support perception (EPSUS-A) scale measures perceived emotional and instrumental support from family, friends and others.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Inmates reported moderate levels of mental health distress (M = 9.11, SD = 5.35), prison experience (M = 41.98, SD = 9.93) and social support (M = 45.25, SD = 21.55). Correlations showed that prison experience was positively related to perceived social support (r = 0.43, p < .001) and negatively related to mental health distress (r = -0.16, p = .024). In a multiple regression model, sociodemographic variables accounted for 15% of the variance in mental health distress (p = .07). After adding the main predictors, the final model accounted for 26% of the variance (p = 0.003). Prison experience was a significant predictor of fewer mental health symptoms (β = -0.223, p = .01).</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>This study relied on self-report measures, which may be subject to social desirability and underreporting of symptoms. The cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations, and the sample included only male inmates from one region in Brazil, reducing generalizability.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>First, correctional staff should be trained to promote safer, more respectful environments, as positive prison experiences were linked to better mental health. Second, while strengthening social support networks is a practical step, future research should also focus on developing better tools to assess mental health among inmates, ensuring more accurate identification and intervention.</p><p><strong>Social implications: </strong>First, the study highlights the importance of improving prison environments, as positive experiences in prison were linked to better mental health outcomes. Second, it suggests that enhancing inmates' access to social support could reduce psychological distress. Together, these findings emphasize the need for correctional policies focused on fostering support within prisons to promote inmate well-being and successful reintegration into society.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Results highlight prison experience as a protective and malleable factor, suggesting targets for mental health interventions in prisons.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"432-446"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546698","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":"Facilitators and barriers to scaling up methadone maintenance therapy in Malaysian prisons: using nominal group technique with custodial staff.","authors":"Allison Mobley, Sheela V Shenoi, Ahsan Ahmad, Nagadevi Mogan Ravie, Daniel J Bromberg, Lynn Madden, Jiang Long, Joselyn Pang, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Frederick L Altice","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2024-0064","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2024-0064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Access to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in prison is essential for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to expanding MMT in prisons, which is paramount to guide implementation. Custodial staff are key stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors used nominal group technique (NGT), a rapid, mixed-methods strategy, with ten custodial officers with six months employment, to identify perceived barriers and potential solutions to MMT scale-up in Malaysia's largest prison where MMT has been available since 2010. NGT provided a list with rank-ordering of perceived barriers and facilitators. Recorded notes contextualized the list.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Most (N = 8) participants accurately recognized MMT as effective treatment for OUD. Among the 12 barriers listed, the 2 top-ranked barriers included perceived inadequate knowledge about MMT by both persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and custodial staff, followed by concerns about the quality of the MMT program (e.g. access, dosing and restrictions) and low perceived motivation by PDL to initiate methadone while incarcerated. Facilitators included: educational and motivational tools designed for PDL to guide in decision-making; training programs for custodial officers' and designing a quality MMT program, especially regarding adequate dosing.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Few studies consider the vital perspective of custodial staff in implementation of health-care programming in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) prisons. Custodial staff identified barriers and offered actionable facilitators for scaling up MMT in the LMIC prison setting. Education-oriented solutions included a decision aid for PDL and programming for custodial staff. Ensuring quality programming, hallmarked by ease-of-access to MMT and adequate dosing, may facilitate scale-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"473-487"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819045","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 COVID-19 on the mental well-being of prison officers in a developing country.","authors":"Thomas D Akoensi","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0008","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The literature on prison officers highlights the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on prison staff. However, there is limited knowledge about how the pandemic affected prison officers' mental health in the global south. To fill this void, this study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of prison officers in a developing country.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>An online survey of 553 prison officers from 12 prison facilities in Ghana between August and December 2020 to examine their psychological and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Culturally sensitive measures of mental well-being were utilised.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Over 50% of prison officers reported a wide range of psychological well-being issues such as depression, sleep disturbances, general anxiety and specific anxieties relating to contracting the virus and fears of infecting their families. Whilst 75% of prison officers indicated their need for psychological support, 61% preferred off-site psychological support, including telephone and online platforms (Zoom and WhatsApp) over face-to-face psychological support at work. Group differences were also found among prison officers based on gender and whether suspected cases of COVID-19 were reported at the prison they worked.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The findings underscore the need for carefully curated mental health interventions for prison officers that consider the working culture of officers' work.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"488-498"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144796535","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":"Resisting methadone: criminal subculture and methadone implementation in Moldovan prisons.","authors":"Lyu Azbel, Mary Tate, Dan Bromberg, Frederick L Altice","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2025-0022","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-03-2025-0022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Maintenance treatment with methadone (MMT) is globally recommended as a key strategy for HIV prevention and addiction treatment in prisons, yet implementation remains limited. Moldova offers a rare exception, where MMT has been available in prisons for over two decades, though uptake remains low. This study aims to examine how criminal subcultures, widespread in many Eastern European prisons, shape access to and perceptions of MMT.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A total of 35 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted in two men's prisons near Chišinău with participants of varied social standing and methadone treatment status. Thematic analysis was used to explore how carceral hierarchies and informal governance shape MMT.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three major themes emerged: implementation efforts for prison-based MMT have largely failed to account for local contexts and the influence of criminal subcultures; MMT disrupts the hierarchical boundaries that structure prison subculture, resulting in the loss of material and social capital for those who initiate treatment; and MMT has become entangled in a power struggle between formal and informal prison authorities, functioning as a tool of influence for the prison administration and reinforcing its undesirable status among people in prison.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This study is among the first studies, to the best of the authors' knowledge, to capture how criminal subcultures reshape the implementation and meaning of MMT in Eastern European prisons. These findings underscore the need for future implementation efforts to engage with the social, economic and material logics of criminal subculture, enabling MMT programs to emerge that are independent of custodial control.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"417-431"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145305206","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}