International journal of prison health最新文献

{"title":"Anxiety, depression and neurocognitive disorder among HIV-infected people in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan.","authors":"Nargiz Abdullayeva, Aytan Mammadbayli, Madina Taghiyeva","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0083","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to assess neurocognitive impairment, depression and anxiety level in HIV-infected individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>A cross-sectional design was used to recruit incarcerated individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan meeting the inclusion criteria (diagnosed with HIV). Participants completed standardized assessments to screen anxiety and depression symptoms, hospital anxiety and depression scale and neurocognitive functioning and mini mental status examination. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, HIV disease progression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, history of substance abuse and duration of incarceration, were also collected as covariates of interest. The study was approved by Azerbaijan Medical University Ethics Committee (P.23 / 19.05.2022). Data were analyzed using student-Bonferroni and H-Kruskal-Wallis tests. Variance analysis was conducted using the ANOVA test, while discriminant analyses involved the χ2-Pearson test, through SPSS software, version 26.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Of the 88 HIV positive patients who agreed to participate, 99% were male, with a median age of 44 years (range: 30-62), median CD4 count 453.1 cells/µl (range: 153-1,290). The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was 72.7%. Occurrence of comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms was found to be 72% and 67%, respectively. Most patients (59.1%) were HIV-positive for more than five years. Increased depression and anxiety levels were identified mostly in first two years after admission to prison (<i>p</i> < 0.05). HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was most commonly found among depressed patients (<i>p</i> = 0.009).</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the cooccurrence and interrelationships between anxiety, depression and neurocognitive disorders in individuals with HIV in prisons. It highlights the unique intersection of HIV infection, mental health challenges and incarceration in a country where research on HIV-related issues in prisons is still developing. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to identify targeted interventions that address the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals living with HIV in Azerbaijan, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"187-196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143082871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Deaf behind bars\": a global scoping review on the situation and experiences of detained people with hearing impairment.","authors":"Libby Thomas, Emma Plugge, Marie Claire Van Hout","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0002","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-01-2025-0002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The global prison population is rising, with over 11.5 million people in prison on any given day. Very little is known about hearing impairment in prison populations, despite prisons being a sound-centric closed environment. This study, a scoping review, aims to map and describe what is known about the situation and experiences of detained people with hearing impairment.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study is a global scoping review. A comprehensive search confined to the English language was conducted on Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO with no date restriction. The final data set of 28 records was charted and analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Four themes were interpretation deficits in the criminal justice process; detachment, inability to communicate and isolation in the prison soundscape; prison staff communication challenges and discriminatory views; and hearing health in prison.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The review is intended to inform the formulation of auditory disability-inclusive criminal justice strategies and practices to support those with hearing impairment when navigating the system.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"21 2","pages":"206-217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in sexually transmitted infection diagnoses among people in prison in England, 2018-2023: analysis of surveillance and pilot seroprevalence data.","authors":"Qudsia Enayat, Kate Yorke, Dolores Mullen, Alireza Talebi, Steve Willner, Jon Dunn, Sum Yee Chan, Joseph Heskin, Katy Sinka, Stephanie J Migchelsen, Hamish Mohammed, Chantal Edge","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0073","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2023-0073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>People in prison face a disproportionate risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but there is a paucity of evidence on trends in STIs in prisons in England. This study aims to describe trends in chlamydia test-positivity and syphilis prevalence by using two different methodologies in prison settings.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This study used routinely collected chlamydia surveillance data reported by all primary diagnostic laboratories in England from 2018 to 2022 to identify tests undertaken in prisons. Separately, this study used data from a pilot syphilis serology pilot study of four prisons in England. A descriptive analysis was undertaken to describe chlamydia test-positivity and syphilis seroprevalence by demographic characteristics.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Between 2018 and 2022, the number of chlamydia tests carried out in prisons increased by 2.0% (17,177-17,514) whilst the number of positive diagnoses decreased by 12.0% (957-840). The overall test-positivity in 2022 was 4.8% (840/17,514) which was marginally lower than that of the community; test-positivity was highest in 15-19 year-olds. Overall, syphilis prevalence was 3.9% (43/1064). Prevalence was highest in the women's prison site at 6.4% 27/398). The range in male prison sites was between 0.5% and 3.5%.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Use of two methods enabled us to better understand the burden of STIs in a vulnerable population. Chlamydia test positivity was marginally lower than community levels but still indicated a high burden of infection, in particular for the 15-24 age group. Syphilis prevalence was high across all age groups in prisons, highlighting the need for more systematic assessment of STIs in prisons to allow for earlier identification and treatment of infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"176-186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142884022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Motherhood and imprisonment: a typology of mothers' identity after release.","authors":"Zahra Mirhosseini, Mahsa Larijani, Maliheh Abedi","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0030","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Imprisonment is a bitter and painful experience for women, often exacerbating the difficulties and challenges of motherhood and their relationship with their children. This study aims to explore the narratives of mothers regarding their maternal identity and present a typology of mothers with prison records as they resume contact with their children after release.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect data. It is based on the experiences and narratives of 18 Iranian women, all of whom had at least one child, who were either imprisoned or had recently been released at the time of the interviews.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Three distinct types of motherhood were identified in relation to how these women encountered their children: \"Terminated motherhood,\" \"Intensified motherhood\" and \"Indifferent and hostile motherhood.\" In \"Terminated motherhood,\" the mother-child relationship is severed due to forced or voluntary loss of custody, leaving both parties with little hope of resuming their bond. \"Intensified motherhood\" in contrast, emphasizes the formation of a strong mother-child bond and mutual relationship, highlighting their connection. \"Indifferent and hostile motherhood\" represents a relationship on the brink of dissolution, where the mother-child bond may collapse at any moment due to neglect or emotional upsets.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>Social and economic support is essential for maintaining and strengthening the mother-child relationship, particularly for women in the indifferent and hostile motherhood category. Such support can facilitate their reentry into society and promote healthier family interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"125-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143653111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Looking back to look forward\": evaluation of a leadership program for prison staff designed to promote public health-focused culture change in US prisons.","authors":"Ilana Garcia-Grossman, Daryl Norcott, David H Cloud, Cyrus Ahalt, Tom Eberhardt, Brie Williams","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-05-2024-0024","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-05-2024-0024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Prisons are associated with poor health outcomes for incarcerated people and correctional staff. Efforts to remedy harmful prison conditions typically focus on litigation, legislation and administrative policy changes; however, implementing these top-down mandates is often impeded by cultural barriers among prison staff. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel intervention grounded in public health and international correctional principles, to educate and motivate frontline prison staff to lead culture change initiatives in US prisons.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>Guided by an implementation science framework, researchers administered surveys and conducted semi-structured interviews with three cohorts of participants in the Amend Ambassadors Program. This study included a total of 37 participants: 28 US prison staff from four US states (Oregon, California, North Dakota and Washington) and 9 prison staff from Norway. The objectives were to assess the implementation of the program and its impacts based on the experiences of those who participated.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Results suggest that the Ambassadors program succeeded in its educational objectives, and provided participants with knowledge, skills and motivation to lead culture change projects in the prison systems where they work. Participants responded favorably to the pedagogical components of the program, and most reported improvements in their perceived levels of job satisfaction, overall well-being and inspiration to advance culture change efforts, as a result of their participation in the program.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>The Amend Ambassadors program is a novel approach to educating and inspiring correctional professionals to mobilize \"ground up\" culture change initiatives focused on improving human dignity and health promotion. This formative evaluation provides new insights into the potential for interventions that combine international immersion, health promotion and experiential learning components for fostering leadership and reducing cultural resistance to prison reform among prison workforces.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"140-155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143653030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-harm in a prison mental health unit: a pilot trial of a structured professional judgement approach to risk assessment and safety planning.","authors":"Carey Marr, Christie Browne, Mariya Romanovich, Kirsty Smith, Trevor Ma, Sarah-Jane Spencer, Eve Slavich, Vindya Nanayakkara, Kimberlie Dean","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2024-0066","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-11-2024-0066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Evidence to support approaches to reducing self-harm (SH) and suicide in prison settings is lacking, despite increased risk in these settings. This study aims to describe a pilot trial of a health service-improvement initiative intended to provide a structured framework to support mental health clinicians in assessing and managing risk of SH /suicide in a prison setting.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The authors examined all clinically reported SH incidents in a prison mental health unit over a three-year period. In the third year, the authors piloted a novel intervention, the Suicide/Self-Harm, Legal, Individual, Psychiatric, Safety Plan (SLIPS) framework, aimed at reducing SH and suicide behaviours. Routinely recorded data from clinical notes were used to examine both incidents of SH as well as reported thoughts of SH.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>No statistically significant reduction in the number of SH incidents was observed. An increase in patients reporting thoughts of SH to staff was seen in the post-SLIPS period, potentially reflecting an improvement in patient-staff engagement. Implementation of the intervention was challenging, with just under 20% of individuals in the unit receiving an SLIP assessment or safety plan.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This study focused on a unique population of patients in a prison mental health screening unit and used a novel structured professional judgement approach to developing a framework for supporting clinicians to undertake the difficult job of assessing and managing SH and suicide risk in prison.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"218-232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797373","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 disorder diagnoses as predictors of rule violations in a county detention center in the USA.","authors":"Danielle Moody, Albert M Kopak, Alexa J Singer","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2023-0089","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2023-0089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the most prevalent behavioral health conditions observed among adults processed into county detention centers and behavioral misconduct is a pressing concern in terms of the safety of correctional staff; however, little is known about the connection between these two important factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between specific SUDS and documented rule violations in a county jail in the USA.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>This prospective study used data collected from a random sample of 210 adults admitted to a small county jail in the USA to examine the association between SUD diagnoses and jail rule violations. The Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation-5 was used to identify specific SUDs and official correctional records were reviewed to collect formal reports of misconduct.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Bivariate results indicated participants who were involved in rule violations were significantly more likely to meet the criteria for specific SUDs, including those related to alcohol, methamphetamine and opioids. Examination of the adjusted hazard ratios generated from a Cox proportional regression analysis demonstrated symptoms consistent with severe SUDs increased the rate of receiving a violation by 31%. Opioid use disorder had a specific impact on violations by increasing the rate among those who met the criteria for the condition by 145%.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>There are many challenges associated with conducting research in county detention centers and these restrictions have limited the understanding of how SUDs may contribute to misconduct. The current study examined these prevalent behavioral health conditions and highlighted the need to prioritize methods to address SUD in county detention centers to promote the safety and well-being of staff as well as people who are incarcerated.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":"21 2","pages":"233-240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059670","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":"Implementation of good documentation practices and good storage and distribution practices for medical products in female penitentiary in Costa Rica.","authors":"Sofia Mendez-Sandoval, Javier Alonso León Chavarria, Carlos Castro Mejía, Sebastián Vargas Cabezas, Eva Diana Quirós Orozco","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0044","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-07-2024-0044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This paper aimed to the enhancement of health-care services at a female penitentiary center in Costa Rica by implementing good documentation practices (GDocP) and good storage and distribution practices (GSDP) among the staff responsible for medications (SRM).</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>The methodology used in this project was qualitative, as it sought to deepen and reinforce the knowledge of the SRM about GDocP and GSDP in the Vilma Curling CAI to achieve its implementation. Additionally, different questionnaires were applied to measure the initial level of knowledge of GDocP and GSDP and the new skills acquired by the SRM at the end of the project.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Some improvement opportunities were identified in pharmaceutical service, management of the documentary system and knowledge of GDocP and GSDP among SRM. It is important to highlight the essential role of pharmacists, as experts in medical products, in health-care teams. Their participation significantly contributes to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, such as incarcerated women.</p><p><strong>Research limitations/implications: </strong>Limitations included a small sample size, the security regulations to entry to the penitentiary center and limited information related to the implementation of GDocP and GSDP in such environment.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This project explores a poorly researched field such as the implementation of GDocP and GSDP and the impact that this could have on the pharmaceutical service of a penitentiary center.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"116-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143025827","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 role of positive leadership in influencing recreational and extracurricular (R&E) programs to address mental wellbeing of prisoners.","authors":"Amaani Rauniar","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0031","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-06-2024-0031","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose: &lt;/strong&gt;Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression are prevalent among the prisoners, highlighting the urgent need to address mental health challenges in prison facilities. Existing research highlights the crucial role of recreational and extracurricular (R&E) programs in promoting the mental well-being of prisoners. Another stream of literature identifies the importance of effective leadership within the prison system to the success of these programs and services aimed at improving the mental health of incarcerated individuals. The purpose of this study is to provide a thorough examination of the breadth, scope and characteristics of the published literature, focusing on how positive leadership in prison settings can foster the success of R&E programs in addressing mental health challenges among prisoners.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Design/methodology/approach: &lt;/strong&gt;In this scoping review, a systematic literature review (SLR), using the guidelines of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA, 2020) by Page et al. (2021), was followed which provides guidelines for study selection and research question, identification of relevant studies via databases and registers, multi-step screening to exclude literatures that are not directly relevant and finalizing body of literature for theory development, summarizing and reporting. The included studies for theory development were appraised for quality using methodology-specific tools. A critical narrative synthesis was adopted to present a theoretical framework for positive leadership influence on R&E programs to promote prisoner engagement and their mental well-being.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Findings: &lt;/strong&gt;The SLR procedure resulted in a total of 122 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the topics of the current paper. The finalized list of studies that were used for theory development included 21studies in the area of prison and prison system (including organizations), 33 in the area of individual and team behavior (including inmates and correctional officers), 26 in the area of leadership (both organizational and correctional facilities), 12 in the area of R&E (including training and education), 31 in the area of mental health and behavior and 2 studies on research methods. Of these 122 studies, 83 studies were peer-reviewed scientific publications, selected chapters from 7 books, while the remaining 32 included nonscientific and anecdotal reports.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Originality/value: &lt;/strong&gt;Despite the plethora of literature on the significance of effective leadership within organizational strategies and operations, there remains a notable gap in literature regarding the role of leadership and other enabling factors in the implementation and management of effective programs within correctional facilities aimed at improving the mental well-being of prisoners. This paper explores the role and relationship of leadership and R&E programs and acti","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"75-93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142820533","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":"Undernutrition and associated factors among prisoners in Bahir Dar Zone Prison Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.","authors":"Gebyaw Lulie Adamu, Tadele Fentabil Anagaw, Genet Endalik Bishaw, Omer Seid Adem, Hunegnaw Almaw Derseh","doi":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2023-0088","DOIUrl":"10.1108/IJOPH-12-2023-0088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to assess undernutrition and associated factors among prisoners in Bahir Dar Zone Prison Center, Ethiopia, in 2021.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology/approach: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 582 prisoners from October 1 to October 30, 2021. An interviewer-administered, semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The body mass index (BMI) was assessed to determine the nutritional status of prisoners. Data were entered into Epi-Info statistical software version 7 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with undernutrition. In multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, variables with a <i>p</i>-value < 0.05 were considered significant. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the strength of the association.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The prevalence of undernutrition was 17.5% (95% CI: 14.3, 21). Imprisonment history (AOR: 4.98, 95% CI: 2.80, 8.86), history of cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.38, 95% CI: 2.86, 10.13), imprisonment duration (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.19), diarrheal diseases (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.41), depression (AOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.88, 5.57) and poor social support (AOR: 7.09, 95% CI: 3.57, 14.05) were factors significantly increasing the odds of undernutrition.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>This manuscript is an original research article that was conducted by using primary data. The finding of the study implies that the magnitude of undernutrition among prisoners in the Bahir Dar Prison Center was found to be lower than the general population in Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper recommended behavioral change intervention, promotion of mental support and health education, cessation of cigarette smoking and management of diarrheal disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":519936,"journal":{"name":"International journal of prison health","volume":" ","pages":"13-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142961111","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}