Self-Perceived Health Improvements Among Prison Inmates

Abstract

Despite the extensive resources expended on providing medical care to inmates, inmates' health perception is an understudied topic. The current study investigates inmates' perception of health status while incarcerated using a sample of 136 soon-to-be released prisoners. Prisoners with poor health perception prior to their current incarceration were most likely to perceive health improvement. Sociodemographic characteristics were generally not associated with the perceived health improvement during incarceration. Analysis results suggest correctional institutions may play a vital role in delivering much-needed medical care to a segment of the prisoner population, including determining how they feel about their health. It is important to explore the policies and practices to increase continuity of health care following release to maintain perceived health improvement.

“I just feel comfortable out here, there’s something about the place”: staff and client perceptions of a remote Australian Aboriginal drug and alcohol rehabilitation service

“…Perceived improvements of health after a period of abstinence is correlated with positive self-evaluations of overall quality of life, mental health, reduced stress, and hope [ 21 , 29 , 52 , 67 ]. Similarly, inmates in a correctional facility who had perceived their health to be poor prior to incarceration were more likely to report improvement in their physical and mental health during incarceration [ 65 ]. However, without continuity of care upon release, any health improvements, real or perceived, are likely to dissipate when released [ 65 ].…”

“…Similarly, inmates in a correctional facility who had perceived their health to be poor prior to incarceration were more likely to report improvement in their physical and mental health during incarceration [ 65 ]. However, without continuity of care upon release, any health improvements, real or perceived, are likely to dissipate when released [ 65 ].…”

“…Both clients and staff perceived aftercare as a major area for improvement for OH. Research indicates that the post-treatment period is when a client is most vulnerable, and requires more attention to regularly monitor their status, for early detection of potential problems, referral to appropriate services, and re-admission as required [ 38 , 51 , 65 ]. Evidence demonstrates that a lack of aftercare is not unique to Aboriginal residential rehabilitation services, but that people with chronic substance misuse typically receive single episodes of treatment [ 27 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…This is especially important given the risk of relapse. Clients may have reduced tolerance as a result of abstinence from substance use, which can increase the risk of death or serious harm if a client relapses [ 65 ]. Aftercare support has been found to improve treatment outcomes the longer the duration of aftercare [ 42 ] and the more family is involved [ 18 , 48 ].…”

Relation of inmates’ entitlement to identification with criminal groups, narcissism and readiness for self-improvement

“…Nevertheless, in many cases they hardly looked after their health before incarceration. Prisoners notice that their health improves during imprisonment (Yu, Sung, Mellow, & Koenigsmann, 2015). Balanced diet, regular meals, reduced access to alcohol and psychoactive substances and medical care have a beneficial effect on the health of inmates.…”