Systematic review of health and behavioural outcomes of smoking cessation interventions in prisons

Objective

We conducted a systematic review to examine the impact of smoking cessation interventions, including smoking bans, on prisoners and prison staff.

Data sources

We systematically searched health and criminal justice databases for relevant studies. Search strings were used to combine terms related to smoking cessation interventions with terms related to incarceration. We used forward and backward snowballing to capture additional studies.

Study selection

Studies were included if: they were published between 1 January 1994 and 23 May 2016; the population was incarcerated adults and/or prison staff; they had a quantitative component; they were published in English; and they reported outcomes of a smoking cessation programme/ban with regard to reported change in smoking behaviour and/or behavioural outcomes.

Data extraction

Studies were reviewed for methodological rigour using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Data were independently reviewed for methodological quality by 1 author and a research assistant.

Data synthesis

Cessation programmes, including free nicotine replacement therapy and/or behavioural counselling can significantly increase the likelihood of quitting in prison and increase abstinence postrelease. Indoor bans have little impact on prisoner smoking behaviour. Prisoners who experience a complete smoking ban typically resume smoking shortly after release from prison. Bans may result in adverse behavioural outcomes, but these are generally minimal and short-lived.

Conclusions

While there is limited evidence to inform tobacco control policies in custodial settings, outcomes of this review suggest that cessation programmes/bans can be an effective mechanism to interrupt prisoner smoking behaviour when properly enforced.

Dental caries experience and use of dental services among Brazilian prisoners

This ross-sectional study involving 127 male prisoners evaluates the use of dental services and dental caries among Brazilian inmates. Data were collected by interview and clinical examination. Sociodemographic and sentencing information as well as use of dental services, self-reported dental morbidity, self-perception, and oral health impacts were investigated. The mean DMFT index value was 19.72. Of the components, the decayed component showed the highest mean value (11.06 ± 5.37). Statistically significant association was found between DMFTs with values from 22 to 32 and oral health satisfaction (p = 0.002), difficulty speaking (p = 0.024), shame of talking (p = 0.004) and smiling (p < 0.001). Regarding the use of dental services, 80% had their last dental appointment less than one year ago, with most visits occurring in prison (80%), with restorative treatment (32%), followed by dental pain (26.4%), being the main reasons for such appointments. Most prisoners used dental services provided by the prison. Although restorative treatment has been the main reason for the use of dental services, “decayed” and “missing” components contributed to the high mean DMFT index.

Dentition status and treatment needs of prisoners of Haryana state, India

PURPOSE

This paper aims to explore prisoner dental health in Haryana, India.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

The authors assessed the prevalence of dental caries and the treatment needs of prisoners in all 19 prisons in Haryana. The results were compared with the prison populations of other countries and the general population of Haryana.

FINDINGS

The mean age of 1,393 subjects examined was 35.26±12.29 years. A large number of the subjects reported to be in need of dental treatment. The number of decayed teeth was found to be similar to the general population of Haryana but the number of filled teeth was quite low. The number of teeth missing and the need for tooth extraction was high. Social implications - Long-standing prisoner dental problems indicated a need for dental treatment in prisons.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

This is the first study of its kind covering all 19 prisons in Haryana, India. The results indicate that the government needs to further consider and address the oral health needs of prisoners.