Health Research in a Jail: Methodological Challenges

Abstract

Strict regulations are in place for conducting research with prisoners. Published studies are limited that focus on improving the health and well-being of incarcerated persons. Subsequently, institutional review boards established methods to guide researchers in conducting fair and ethical research in carceral settings. The authors of this paper discuss some of the methodological challenges that exist when conducting research with incarcerated persons. Unique methodological challenges were found during the process of conducting a research study inside a jail setting. The authors discuss challenges and provide guidance for future studies. Despite challenges, researchers can conduct studies that can benefit incarcerated persons.