International journal of prison health最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Association between vaccine uptake and SARS-CoV-2 infection among staff at a jail and prison in the USA.","authors":"Amelia Bailey, Augustine W Kang, Claudia Stagoff-Belfort, Rosemarie A Martin","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0058","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to examine the association between correctional staff occupational characteristics with vaccine uptake and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination rates among 2,016 correctional staff in the Northeast (March 27, 2020 to September 13, 2022) were examined using a cross-sectional design. Using multiple logistic regression, the authors examined vaccination status and demographic and occupational characteristics associated with infection. Logistic regression was used to assess significant predictors of infection and whether the addition of initial vaccination better predicted infection.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>About 63.9% of staff were vaccinated according to initial vaccination recommendations and 17.4% received at least one additional booster. During the study period, 47.7% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics, younger age, male sex, and no receipt of vaccination were significant predictors of infection. After accounting for variance in infection related to significant demographic and occupational factors, the addition of vaccination status better predicted infection among staff.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Vaccination status differs by staff occupational and demographic characteristics, though vaccination saliently predicts infection when controlling for variance from those characteristics. Findings can inform future vaccine uptake efforts.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>While controlling for important demographic and occupational factors, vaccine uptake predicted lower odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional staff.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"510-520"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13312218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819042","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":"Rocks and hard places: a clinical ethics panel in a prison health context.","authors":"Kerri Eagle, Stephen Hampton","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0062","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-10-2024-0062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Australia has seen the emergence of Clinical Ethics Support Services (CESS) across health care settings over recent decades, with the exception of prison health services which can present inherent complex ethical challenges. The purpose of this paper is a descriptive report of the implementation of a CESS in a prison health service.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A literature review was done to inform the implementation of a CESS by a prison health service. Different CESS delivery models were considered and expert advice obtained from an external clinical bioethicist. A Clinical Ethics Advisory Panel (CEAP) was established and accepted referrals between October 2022 and October 2024. A preliminary review of referrals was conducted to consider whether the CEAP was achieving its objectives.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The CEAP was implemented with a membership that comprised clinical and nonclinical representatives. The CEAP received seven referrals over 24 months from staff of the organization. Six out of seven (86%) referrals involved a clinical operational issue. One referral (14%) involved an individual clinical scenario in addition to a clinical operational issue. All referrals were initiated by senior medical management.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>The CEAP has had a beneficial role in supporting staff with responsibility for ethical decision making in a prison health service. CESS can potentially provide an important source of support for frontline clinical staff and clinical management but requires further evaluation.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The implementation of a CESS in a prison health context is rarely described in the literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"447-455"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"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":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0045","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Research limitations/implications: &lt;/strong&gt;This is not extensive research, rather it is a theoretical mapping with national (Czech and Hungarian) experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Social implications: &lt;/strong&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"260-277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","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":"Discontinuity and prison sickness: sport participation barriers and mental well-being effects among women in prison.","authors":"Martin Koddebusch, Bernd Gröben, Pamela Wicker, Milan Dransmann","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0007","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This qualitative interview study aims to examine the potential barriers and mental well-being effects of prison sports among women in a German prison. It places particular emphasis on prison-specific participation barriers and mental stress factors for females.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Guided expert interviews were conducted with women in prison (n = 7). The interviews were fully transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This study highlights a number of participation barriers, both institutional and related to the women's intrinsic motivation, which are mutually dependent. Nevertheless, sports have the potential of enhancing the mental well-being of women in prison, who often experience higher rates of mental health disorders and more severe social challenges than their male counterparts. By addressing the need for physical activity and fostering psychological resilience, sports can promote enjoyment, enrich social bonds and contribute to personal contentment.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Supervision and support from prison administration will be key to overcoming identified barriers and ensuring the success of such programs. It is essential to maintain efforts to enhance participation, particularly in light of potentially low initial participation rates. Systematically integrating sports programs into the women's daily routines is crucial for achieving long-term positive effects on mental well-being.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This study reveals the necessity of addressing the mutual dependence of institutional and intrinsic participation barriers to facilitate a systematic integration of sports into everyday prison life. Given this, sports can be an effective medium to improve the mental well-being of the particularly vulnerable female prison population.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"292-304"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144183123","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":"Aging behind bars: barriers and solutions in Norwegian correctional rehabilitation.","authors":"Paulo Rocha","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2024-0078","DOIUrl":"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":"305-324"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","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":"Substance use and psychiatric morbidity among inmates in a Nigerian correctional centre: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Anthony C Enebe, Sunday Onyemaechi Oriji, Bawo O James, Joyce O Omoaregba, Ihechiluru G Anozie, Paul O Erohubie, Nkiruka A Enebe, Ijeoma Charles-Ugwuagbo","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-02-2025-0017","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-02-2025-0017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Psychoactive substance use and its associated disorders are common among inmates of correctional services. The burden of substance/drug misuse among inmates has not been adequately characterized in the Nigerian population. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of psychoactive substance use and its association with psychological distress among inmates in a correctional service centre.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at two correctional service units in Benin Metropolis in Nigeria, with a total of 163 inmate-participants. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder module) and General Health Questionnare-12 were used to collect data on substance use and psychological disability, respectively.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The prevalence of lifetime and current (past month) use of substance(s) were 76.7% and 33.7%, respectively. A total of 26 (16.0%) subjects had a diagnosable alcohol use disorder, while 28 (17.2%) had other substance use disorder. A total of 19 (73.1%) and 21(85.8%) reported moderate-severe alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorder, respectively. A total of 121 (74.2%) participants had psychological distress. There was a significant association between the presence of psychological distress and substance use (p = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This study, using a standardized diagnostic tool, has established a high prevalence of lifetime and current use of psychoactive substances, as well as quantifying the disorders associated with alcohol/other substance use habit among prison inmates. This disclosed burden in prison may serve as a highlight to the policymakers and or managers of correctional centres to incorporate drug treatment programs in rehabilitation schemes.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"499-509"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144985327","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":"Detection and prevention: evaluation of a nurse-led satellite sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing clinic initiative in an Australian correctional centre.","authors":"Amanda Nichole Balmer, Annette Brömdal, Sonya Osborne, Kathryn Kynoch, Amy Mullens, Leah East","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-09-2024-0053","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-09-2024-0053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to determine if a satellite sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing clinic increased STI/blood-borne virus testing and detection in a correctional setting in Australia.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A cohort study of males incarcerated in a correctional centre in Queensland, who voluntarily attended a satellite STI testing clinic over six months. Data were collected on purpose designed data collection sheets. A retrospective medical chart audit was conducted from three-months before commencement of the clinic until the end of the clinic period. Attendance rates for three-months following the clinic's completion were also considered. Attendance rates, treatment rates, time to treatment, follow-up rates, reinfection rates and client satisfaction were analysed using descriptive statistics, including program sustainability.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Success of the STI clinic was evidenced by an increase in attendance rates from 32/242 (13.2%) to 242/242 (100%), pre-intervention to the intervention, respectively. Treatment rates increased from 10/242 (4.1%) to 41/242 (16.9%) pre-intervention to intervention, respectively, and an increase in time to treatment from 43.11 (Std. Dev 36.77) mean days pre-intervention to 54.62 (Std. Dev 42.06) mean days during the intervention. Follow-up rates also increased from 5/242 (2.1%) pre-intervention to 24/242 (9.9%) during the intervention. Of the 242 participants, 52 received a positive STI/diagnosis with 44 being diagnosed with hepatitis C. Satisfaction was high with a mean score of 9.7 out of 10 (Std. Dev 0.685). Attendance rates showed no significant difference three-months pre- (<i>n</i> = 32) to post-intervention (<i>n</i> = 35), however, support for the intervention has continued. Future practice should incorporate satellite STI testing clinics as weekly practice.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to consider satellite STI testing within the corrections environment in Australia. The study uniquely showcased how the satellite STI clinic achieved increased STI testing attendance rates, treatment rates, follow-up rates and high satisfaction rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13700196/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334738","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":"Overall and substance use-specific healthcare utilization among individuals with and without criminal justice involvement in Ontario, Canada.","authors":"Cayley Russell, Alexa Yakubovich, Patricia O'Campo, Kathleen Qu, Lesley Plumptre, Fiona Kouyoumdjian, Flora I Matheson","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0034","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Correctional populations have higher rates of substance use disorders and related healthcare visits relative to the general population. However, limited evidence on substance use-related healthcare visits exists among this population. Using population data for Ontario, Canada, this study aims to examine overall and substance use-specific healthcare visits for individuals with and without known provincial criminal justice system involvement (CJI versus non-CJI, respectively).</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This retrospective study compared overall and substance use-related healthcare visits between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2020 among provincially-incarcerated individuals (CJI group) versus those without criminal justice involvement (non-CJI group). Both groups were identified through available health administrative data and were individually matched by age, sex and material deprivation.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The authors identified and matched 208,188 individuals (59.9% male) with and without CJI and a healthcare visit. Compared to the non-CJI group, those with CJI had approximately 20 times the rate of healthcare visits for alcohol use, drug use and illicit drug-related overdoses. Among those with CJI, females had a higher prevalence of overall healthcare visits, whereas males had a higher prevalence of substance use-specific visits.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Findings highlight the high number of healthcare visits for substance use-related needs among individuals with CJI in Ontario. These results can inform efforts to enhance correctional release planning, improve access to community-based treatment and strengthen substance use prevention and treatment interventions for this high-risk population.</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Results can inform efforts to enhance correctional release planning, improve access to community-based treatment, and strengthen substance use prevention and treatment interventions for this high-risk population.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first in Canada to draw on population-level administrative health data to identify and match a large sample of individuals with and without CJI and examine substance use-specific healthcare utilization, longitudinally.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12828222/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144277324","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":"Smoking cessation support preferences among people released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.","authors":"Kate Heit, Centaine L Snoswell, Alice Holland, Stuart Alistair Kinner, Ross Coomber, Dominique de Andrade, Cheneal Puljević","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0075","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to investigate previous use, awareness and preferences for various forms of cessation support among a sample of people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A total of 114 people who were released from prison in the previous two months and reported daily tobacco use upon prison entry were recruited from 12 Probation and Parole offices across South-East Queensland to complete a survey measuring use, awareness and preferences for various forms of smoking cessation support before, during and after incarceration. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>In total, 32% of participants had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or cessation medications prior to prison, and 26% reported NRT use while in prison. Only 3% of participants accessed free Quitline telephone counselling while in prison. The development of a peer smoking cessation support group was the most favoured form of smoking cessation support both within prison (42%) and after release (52%). Despite high awareness of the availability of subsidised products upon release (76%), unsupported abstinence (\"cold turkey\") was slightly preferred as a helpful post-release cessation method (28%), compared to NRT products (24%).</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate preferences for smoking cessation support among people released from smoke-free prisons. Findings suggest that implementing prison- and community-based peer support cessation programs and facilitating widespread provision of NRT in prison and post-release should be a priority to reduce high levels of smoking-related morbidity and mortality among this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"197-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143677439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}