Substance Use, Health, and Mental Health: Problems and Service Utilization Among Incarcerated Women

Abstract

This article profiles self-reported substance use, health, and mental health problems among a sample of incarcerated women in Kentucky as well as lifetime service utilization. Findings indicate that a high percentage of women reported use of alcohol, cocaine, and multiple substances during the month before incarceration. In addition, participants reported common health problems such as dental, female reproductive, physical injuries, and mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Participants reported moderate use of emergency room and mental health treatment but limited substance abuse treatment utilization. Implications for criminal justice programs and linkages with community-based aftercare services for women are recommended based on findings that health and mental health problems are associated with service utilization before incarceration.

Características, sintomas depressivos e fatores associados em mulheres encarceradas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

“…Esse mesmo alto percentual foi encontrado em outro estudo 17 , o qual denota que 61,7% das mulheres reclusas apresentaram depressão ao longo da vida. Já outra pesquisa, em que foi aplicado o BDI II, apontou 18% de prevalência de sintomas depressivos clinicamente significativos e 68,6% apresentando disforia 18 .…”

An investigation of the nature of research into dental health in prisons: a systematic review

“…3,4,11,[16][17][18][19] One study compared the oral health of present or former her oin addict inmates to non-drug addict inmates, 15 another evaluated the health of female former substance abusers. 20 Due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies in terms of study design, institution type (state vs federal, single sex vs mixed), setting and population, data have not been synthesised. Rather, Table 3 documents the study charac teristics and principal findings for the common outcome measures for the total sample.…”

“…7,15,20,24 Where the ration ale for the obtained sample size was stated, this focused on the practicality of carrying out the study. One study employed stopping rules.…”

“…Another failed to account for non-participants. 2 The potential bias arising from self-selection/ voluntary participation in research pro grammes outside of compulsory screen ing 6,7,21 and particularly with regard to monetary or other gain for participation in health surveys 1,20,23 was not addressed, with the exception of one study. 3 …”

Examining the relationship between childhood victimization, health risk behaviors, and adult physical health outcomes among women on probation and parole.

“…HIV/AIDS and other health complications are only further compounded by the lack of health care access prior to involvement with the criminal justice system. Previous research has shown that female offenders had limited health service utilization in the community and while incarcerated, women sought out medical services at a greater rate than men due to their increased medical needs (Pollock, 2002;Staton, Leukefeld, Logan, 2001;Staton, Leukefeld & Webster, 2003). As the U.S. attempts to eradicate health disparities and improve the health of all Americans, there would be benefit in examining its healthcare services provided to criminal justice involved women across the spectrum, those in a controlled and community environments.…”