The response to COVID-19 in prisons must consider the broader mental health impacts for people in prison

Stewart, Allison; Cossar, Reece; Stoové, Mark

doi:10.1177/0004867420937806

Cited by 22 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Other research themes identified include eating disorders, in particular, the re‐examination of diagnostic criteria (Hay, 2019; Phillipou & Beilharz, 2019); an examination of Australia's primary mental health “Better Access” program (Judd & Davis, 2019; Rosenberg & Hickie Am, 2019); the impact of COVID‐19 on vulnerable groups (Maguire & Looi, 2020; Page, Sperandei, Spittal, & Pirkis, 2020; Stewart, Cossar, & Stoové, 2020), mental health systems (E. J. Tan, Meyer, et al, 2020), and the rapid expansion of telehealth (Khanna & Forbes, 2020).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The state of psychiatric research in the Asia Pacific region

Roche

Fung

Ransing

et al. 2020

Asia-Pacific Psychiatry

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Introduction This study aims to review recent scientific publications and research output in the field of psychiatry, from a series of countries in the Asia‐Pacific region (Australia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Nepal), with a view to identify themes and similarities across regions, as well as to examine the barriers and challenges in mental health research faced by countries in the region. Methods Seven psychiatrists from seven countries reviewed recent published and ongoing research in psychiatry in their respective nations, with respect to themes, as well as any barriers or challenges faced by mental health researchers. Results While the seven nations included in this review vary in terms of research capabilities and economic development level, they share many similarities both in terms of research direction, and with regards to challenges faced. Limitations in the form of sociocultural differences from the West, and a lack of funding were some of the barriers identified. Discussion Mental health research in the region has been progressing well. However, more varied research in the form of qualitative or economic studies are lacking, as are multi‐center studies. The similar issues that nations face with regards to research could perhaps benefit from collaborative efforts and initiatives for the furtherance of research in the region.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The state of psychiatric research in the Asia Pacific region

Roche

Fung

Ransing

et al. 2020

Asia-Pacific Psychiatry

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“…35 43 47 70 73-78 Many were concerned that isolation may lead to exacerbations of mental health conditions, anger, depression, psychosis, self-harm and suicide. 39 46 56 66 72 74-76 [79][80][81][82][83][84] There were also concerns that isolation in JCFs will affect young offenders' neurological development. 63 74 85 In this context, it is important to clarify the difference between isolation and solitary confinement.…”

Section: Fear Of Covid-19mentioning

confidence: 99%

Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic

et al. 2021

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ObjectiveTo examine the extent, nature and quality of literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of imprisoned people and prison staff.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsychExtra, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for any paper from 2019 onwards that focused on the mental health impact of COVID-19 on imprisoned people and prison staff. A grey literature search focused on international and government sources and professional bodies representing healthcare, public health and prison staff was also performed. We also performed hand searching of the reference lists of included studies.Eligibility criteria for selection of studiesAll papers, regardless of study design, were included if they examined the mental health of imprisoned people or prison staff specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Imprisoned people could be of any age and from any countries. All languages were included. Two independent reviewers quality assessed appropriate papers.ResultsOf 647 articles found, 83 were eligible for inclusion, the majority (58%) of which were opinion pieces. The articles focused on the challenges to prisoner mental health. Fear of COVID-19, the impact of isolation, discontinuation of prison visits and reduced mental health services were all likely to have an adverse effect on the mental well-being of imprisoned people. The limited research and poor quality of articles included mean that the findings are not conclusive. However, they suggest a significant adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of those who live and work in prisons.ConclusionsIt is key to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic on people who live and work in prisons. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for getting the balance between infection control imperatives and the fundamental human rights of prison populations.

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“…1 3 Included studies did not address the potential harms associated with prolonged infection control strategies, such as isolation and physical distancing. 88 This may particularly affect the mental health of PIP, who have higher background of mental illness than community peers 89 and the detrimental effects of solitary confinement in correctional facilities on mental health need to be carefully weighed up, 90 including potentially elevating risk of self-harm. Therefore, mental health should be at the forefront of considerations when implementing infection control measures in prisons to mitigate adverse consequences for PIP.…”

Section: Research Gapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Managing outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prisons: a systematic review

et al. 2020

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BackgroundThere are reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in many countries. Responses to date have been highly variable and it is not clear whether public health guidance has been informed by the best available evidence. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the evidence on outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prison.MethodsWe searched seven electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles and official reports published between 1 January 2000 and 28 July 2020. We included quantitative primary research that reported an outbreak of a given contagious disease in a correctional facility and examined the effects of interventions. We excluded studies that did not provide detail on interventions. We synthesised common themes using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guideline, identified gaps in the literature and critically appraised the effectiveness of various containment approaches.ResultsWe identified 28 relevant studies. Investigations were all based in high-income countries and documented outbreaks of tuberculosis, influenza (types A and B), varicella, measles, mumps, adenovirus and COVID-19. Several themes were common to these reports, including the public health implications of infectious disease outbreaks in prison, and the role of interagency collaboration, health communication, screening for contagious diseases, restriction, isolation and quarantine, contact tracing, immunisation programmes, epidemiological surveillance and prison-specific guidelines in addressing any outbreaks.DiscussionPrisons are high-risk settings for the transmission of contagious diseases and there are considerable challenges in managing outbreaks in them. A public health approach to managing COVID-19 in prisons is required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020178827

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The response to COVID-19 in prisons must consider the broader mental health impacts for people in prison

Cited by 22 publications

References 5 publications

The state of psychiatric research in the Asia Pacific region

The state of psychiatric research in the Asia Pacific region

Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic

Managing outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prisons: a systematic review

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