Inmates’ Self-Reported Physical and Mental Health Problems: A Comparison by Sex and Age

Abstract

The present study explored the impact of both age and sex on inmates’ self-reported physical and mental health problems. The inmates were older adults (55 or older) and housed in one of four correctional institutions from a state located in the northeastern region of the United States. Overall, findings revealed female inmates more often reported currently taking prescribed medications for mental or emotional problems and previously having been diagnosed with mental health problems prior to incarceration. Also, comparing male and female inmates by age categories (59 and younger vs. 60 and older), the older group was more likely to report a variety of physical problems including arthritis, diabetes, and glaucoma. Research and correctional policy implications are discussed.

The case for transitional services and programs for older adults reentering society: a narrative review of US departments of correction and recommendations

“…Biological sex modifies the effect of age on the health of incarcerated people (Golembeski et al , 2020). Women who are incarcerated present with aging health concerns earlier than males and at higher costs (Aday and Farney, 2014; Krabill and Aday, 2005; Aday and Krabill, 2006; Lane et al ., 2020; Rikard and Rosenberg, 2007; Williams and Rikard, 2004).…”

“…Time spent in incarceration accelerates and intensifies health issues that the criminal-legal system is ill-equipped to address (Krabill and Aday, 2005; Aday and Krabill, 2006; Lane et al ., 2020; Anno et al , 2004; DiTomas et al , 2022). Older adults with a history of incarceration show signs of aging and onset of medical conditions approximately 10 years earlier than the general population (Krabill and Aday, 2005; Aday and Krabill, 2006; Lane et al ., 2020; Managing Aging and Terminally Ill Inmates , 2001; Rikard and Rosenberg, 2007).…”

“…Time spent in incarceration accelerates and intensifies health issues that the criminal-legal system is ill-equipped to address (Krabill and Aday, 2005; Aday and Krabill, 2006; Lane et al ., 2020; Anno et al , 2004; DiTomas et al , 2022). Older adults with a history of incarceration show signs of aging and onset of medical conditions approximately 10 years earlier than the general population (Krabill and Aday, 2005; Aday and Krabill, 2006; Lane et al ., 2020; Managing Aging and Terminally Ill Inmates , 2001; Rikard and Rosenberg, 2007). In one analysis of medical problems experienced by older (mean of 59 years) formerly incarcerated individuals, participants reported high prevalence of poor health (52%), chronic lung disease (16%) and recent falls (30%) (Williams et al , 2012).…”

“…An estimated 78% of jail-incarcerated individuals, aged 59-80, in one study, showed mild cognitive impairment on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Ahalt et al, 2018) compared to rates of 6.7%-14.8% in adults aged 60-79 in the general population (Petersen et al, 2018). Time spent in incarceration accelerates and intensifies health issues that the criminal-legal system is ill-equipped to address (Krabill and Aday, 2005;Aday and Krabill, 2006;Lane et al, 2020;Anno et al, 2004;DiTomas et al, 2022). Older adults with a history of incarceration show signs of aging and onset of medical conditions approximately 10 years earlier than the general population (Krabill and Aday, 2005;Aday and Krabill, 2006;Lane et al, 2020;Managing Aging and Terminally Ill Inmates, 2001;Rikard and Rosenberg, 2007).…”

Dietary Habits, Diet Quality, Nutrition Knowledge, and Associations with Physical Activity in Polish Prisoners: A Pilot Study

“…The present observations showed a low level of physical activity in the group of prisoners who were aged 40-50 years and over 50. The low level of physical activity in the prisoners who were aged over 50 years may be mainly related to their poor physical and mental health, which is characteristic for this age group [29]. LPAL, which was characteristic of the respondents at the age of 18-29 years, may be associated with difficulties in adaptation in the prison environment, which are typical of young prisoners [30] and those who start serving their sentence [27].…”