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Christian AB, Grigorian A, Mo J, Yeates EO, Dolich M, Chin TL, Schubl SD, Kuza CM, Lekawa M, Nahmias J. Comparative Outcomes for Trauma Patients in Prison and the General Population. Am Surg 2022; 88:1954-1961. [PMID: 35282696 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221078984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prisoners are a vulnerable population, and there are few contemporary studies that consider trauma patient outcomes within the prisoner population. Therefore, we sought to provide a descriptive analysis of prisoners involved in trauma and evaluate whether a healthcare disparity exists. We hypothesized that prisoners and non-prisoners have a similar risk of mortality and in-hospital complications after trauma. METHODS The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2015-2016) was queried for trauma patients based upon location inside or outside of prison at the time of injury. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to compare these groups for risk of mortality-the primary outcome. RESULTS From 593,818 trauma patients, 1115 were located in prison. Compared to non-prisoners, prisoner trauma patients had no significant difference in mortality (5.1 vs 6.0%, P = .204). However, after adjusting for covariates, prisoners had a shorter length of stay (LOS) (mean days, 6.3 vs 7.8, P < .001), shorter intensive care unit (ICU) LOS (mean days, 5.44 vs 5.89, P = .004), and fewer complications, including lower rates of drug/alcohol withdrawal (.4% vs 1.1%, P = .030), pneumonia (.5 vs 1.6%, P = .004), and urinary tract infections (.0 vs 1.1%, P < .001). Upon performing a multivariable logistic regression model, prisoner trauma patients had a similar associated risk of mortality compared to non-prisoners (OR 1.61, CI .52-4.94, P = .409). DISCUSSION Our results suggest that prisoner trauma patients at least receive equivalent treatment in terms of mortality and may have better outcomes when considering some complications. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and explore other factors, which impact prisoner patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Christian
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - A Grigorian
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - J Mo
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - E O Yeates
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - M Dolich
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - T L Chin
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - S D Schubl
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - C M Kuza
- Department of Anesthesia, 12223University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Lekawa
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - J Nahmias
- Department of Surgery, 8788University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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Gondwe A, Amberbir A, Singogo E, Berman J, Singano V, Theu J, Gaven S, Mwapasa V, Hosseinipour MC, Paul M, Chiwaula L, van Oosterhout JJ. Prisoners' access to HIV services in southern Malawi: a cross-sectional mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:813. [PMID: 33910547 PMCID: PMC8080321 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among prisoners remains high in many countries, especially in Africa, despite a global decrease in HIV incidence. Programs to reach incarcerated populations with HIV services have been implemented in Malawi, but the success of these initiatives is uncertain. We explored which challenges prisoners face in receiving essential HIV services and whether HIV risk behavior is prevalent in prisons. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative), cross-sectional study in 2018 in six prisons in Southern Malawi, two large central prisons with on-site, non-governmental organization (NGO) supported clinics and 4 smaller rural prisons. Four hundred twelve prisoners were randomly selected and completed a structured questionnaire. We conducted in-depth interviews with 39 prisoners living with HIV, which we recorded, transcribed and translated. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to analyze quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. RESULTS The majority of prisoners (93.2%) were male, 61.4% were married and 63.1% were incarcerated for 1-5 years. Comprehensive services were reported to be available in the two large, urban prisons. Female prisoners reported having less access to general medical services than males. HIV risk behavior was reported infrequently and was associated with incarceration in urban prisons (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 18.43; 95% confidence interval [95%-CI] 7.59-44.74; p = < 0.001) and not being married (aOR 17.71; 95%-CI 6.95-45.13; p = < 0.001). In-depth interviews revealed that prisoners living with HIV experienced delays in referrals for more severe illnesses. Prisoners emphasized the detrimental impact of poor living conditions on their personal health and their ability to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART). CONCLUSIONS Malawian prisoners reported adequate knowledge about HIV services albeit with gaps in specific areas. Prisoners from smaller, rural prisons had suboptimal access to comprehensive HIV services and female prisoners reported having less access to health care than males. Prisoners have great concern about their poor living conditions affecting general health and adherence to ART. These findings provide guidance for improvement of HIV services and general health care in Malawian institutionalized populations such as prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austrida Gondwe
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | - Emmanuel Singogo
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Joshua Berman
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Victor Singano
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Joe Theu
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Steven Gaven
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- University of North Carolina-Malawi Project, Tidziwe Centre, P/Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Magren Paul
- Chichiri Prison, P/Bag 30117, Blantyre 3, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International, P. O Box 1071, C/O Box 333, Zomba, Malawi
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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Rungreangkulkij S, Silarat M, Kotnara I. Prisoners' perceptions of the healthcare service: A qualitative study. Nurs Health Sci 2021; 23:304-311. [PMID: 33438827 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is recognized that the health of those in prison is poorer than the general population. The objective of this research is to understand the perceptions of the prisoners of the health care that they received at a district level prison in Thailand. We conducted a qualitative study, using in-depth interviews. Content analysis was used for data analysis. The participants were 13 prisoners. The findings reveal the prisoners have positive attitudes toward health services. They think that they are receiving the same standard of care as the general population. However, they are concerned about getting a communicable disease and accessibility to emergency care. There is limited dental care. The female prisoners have more trouble accessing health care than male prisoners. Suggestions for solving the inequality of care for prisoners includes increasing the collaboration with the community hospitals, using telehealth, adding female health providers, and developing inmate health volunteers among the prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somporn Rungreangkulkij
- WHO CC Centre for Research and Training on Gender and Women's Health, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Maliwan Silarat
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ingkata Kotnara
- WHO CC Centre for Research and Training on Gender and Women's Health, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Baffoe-Bonnie T, Ntow SK, Awuah-Werekoh K, Adomah-Afari A. Access to a quality healthcare among prisoners - perspectives of health providers of a prison infirmary, Ghana. Int J Prison Health 2019; 15:349-365. [PMID: 31532341 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-02-2019-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of health system factors on access to a quality healthcare among prisoners in Ghana. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Data were gathered using different qualitative methods (interviews and participant observation) with staff of the James Camp Prison, Accra. Findings were analyzed using a framework method for the thematic analysis of the semi-structured interview data; and interpreted with the theoretical perspective of health systems thinking and innovation. FINDINGS The study concludes that health system factors such as inadequate funding for health services, lack of skilled personnel and a paucity of essential medical supplies and drugs negatively affected the quality of healthcare provided to inmates. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS The limited facilities available and the sample size (healthcare workers and prison administrators) impeded the achievement of varied views on the topic. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper recommends the need for health policy makers and authorities of the Ghana Prison Service to collaborate and coordinate in a unified way to undertake policy analysis in an effort to reform the prisons healthcare system. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS The national health insurance scheme was found to be the financing option for prisoners' access to free healthcare with supplementation from the Ghana Prison Service. The study recommends that policy makers and healthcare stakeholders should understand and appreciate the reality that the provision of a quality healthcare for prisoners is part of the entire system of healthcare service delivery in Ghana and as such should be given the needed attention. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This is one of few studies conducted on male only prisoners/prison in the context of Ghana. It recommends the need for an integrated approach to ensure that the entire healthcare system achieves set objectives in response to the primary healthcare concept.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Kojo Ntow
- Family Medicine, West African Rescue Association, Takoradi, Ghana
| | - Kwasi Awuah-Werekoh
- Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Accra, Ghana
| | - Augustine Adomah-Afari
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, University of Ghana , Accra, Ghana
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Van Hout MC, Mhlanga-Gunda R. 'Mankind owes to the child the best that it has to give': prison conditions and the health situation and rights of children incarcerated with their mothers in sub-Saharan African prisons. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2019; 19:13. [PMID: 30836967 PMCID: PMC6402132 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-019-0194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background In recent times, sub-Saharan African (SSA) prisons have seen a substantial increase in women prisoners, including those incarcerated with children. Methods A scoping review mapped what is currently known about the health situation and unique rights violations of children incarcerated with their mothers in SSA prisons. A systematic search collected and reviewed all available and relevant published and grey literature (2000–2018). Following application of exclusion measures, 64 records remained, which represented 27 of the 49 SSA countries. These records were charted and thematically analysed. Results Four main themes were generated as follows: 1) the prison physical environment; 2) food availability, adequacy and quality; 3) provision of basic necessities and 4) availability and accessibility of health services for incarcerated children. Conclusions The review highlights the grave situation of children incarcerated with their mothers in SSA prisons, underpinned by the lack of basic necessities, inadequate hygiene, sanitation and safe drinking water, exposure to diseases in overcrowded cells, inadequate nutrition, lack of provision of clothing and bedding, and difficulties accessing paediatric care. Reported paediatric morbidity and mortality associated with such prison conditions is deeply concerning and contrary to international mandates for the rights of the child, right to health and standards of care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12914-019-0194-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Van Hout
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moore's University, Liverpool, L32ET, UK. .,Public Health Institute, Exchange Station, Liverpool John Moore's University, Liverpool, L32ET, UK.
| | - Rosemary Mhlanga-Gunda
- College of Health Sciences, Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Interventions, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Van Hout MC, Mhlanga-Gunda R. Contemporary women prisoners health experiences, unique prison health care needs and health care outcomes in sub Saharan Africa: a scoping review of extant literature. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2018; 18:31. [PMID: 30081894 PMCID: PMC6080512 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-018-0170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub Saharan African (SSA) prisons have seen a substantial increase in women prisoners in recent years. Despite this increase, women prisoners constitute a minority in male dominated prison environments, and their special health needs are often neglected. Research activity on prison health remains scant in SSA, with gathering of strategic information generally restricted to infectious diseases (human immunodeficiency virus infection HIV/tuberculosis TB), and particularly focused on male prisoners. Health care provisions for women (and pregnant women) in SSA prisons are anecdotally reported to fall far short of the equivalence care standards mandated by human rights and international recommendations, and the recent agreements set out in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Minimum Standards for HIV in Prisons. METHODS A scoping review mapped what is currently known about women prisoners' health experiences, unique prison health care needs and health care outcomes in SSA. A systematic search collected and reviewed all available and relevant published and grey literature (2000-2017). Following removal of duplicates and application of exclusion measures, 46 records remained, which represented 18 of the 49 SSA countries. These records were subsequently charted and thematically analysed. RESULTS Three themes were generated; 'The Prison Regime'; 'Navigating inside the Prison Health Infrastructure' and 'Accessing the outside Community and Primary Care Health Services'. Women in SSA prisons experience the same substandard nutrition, overcrowding and unhygienic conditions which exacerbate poor health and infectious disease transmission as males. Human rights abuses, substandard prison conditions and poor access to prison based and community clinical care, along with the invisible nature of women and that of their unique health needs are deplorable. CONCLUSIONS The review has highlighted the dearth of gender specific strategic information on women prisoners in the region, appalling environmental conditions and prison health care provision, and violation of human rights for those incarcerated. Enhanced donor support, resource allocation, prison health and population health policy reform, health systems surveillance and gender sensitive prison health service provision is warranted. This will help address women prisoners' conditions and their specific health needs in SSA prisons, and ultimately bridge the gap between prison and population health in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosemary Mhlanga-Gunda
- College of Health Sciences, Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Interventions, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Topp SM, Moonga CN, Mudenda C, Luo N, Kaingu M, Chileshe C, Magwende G, Heymann JS, Henostroza G. Health and healthcare access among Zambia's female prisoners: a health systems analysis. Int J Equity Health 2016; 15:157. [PMID: 27671534 PMCID: PMC5037633 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-016-0449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Research exploring the drivers of health outcomes of women who are in prison in low- and middle-income settings is largely absent. This study aimed to identify and examine the interaction between structural, organisational and relational factors influencing Zambian women prisoners’ health and healthcare access. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews of 23 female prisoners across four prisons, as well as 21 prison officers and health care workers. The prisoners were selected in a multi-stage sampling design with a purposive selection of prisons followed by a random sampling of cells and of female inmates within cells. Largely inductive thematic analysis was guided by the concepts of dynamic interaction and emergent behaviour, drawn from the theory of complex adaptive systems. Results We identified compounding and generally negative effects on health and access to healthcare from three factors: i) systemic health resource shortfalls, ii) an implicit prioritization of male prisoners’ health needs, and iii) chronic and unchecked patterns of both officer- and inmate-led victimisation. Specifically, women’s access to health services was shaped by the interactions between lack of in-house clinics, privileged male prisoner access to limited transport options, and weak responsiveness by female officers to prisoner requests for healthcare. Further intensifying these interactions were prisoners’ differential wealth and access to family support, and appointments of senior ‘special stage’ prisoners which enabled chronic victimisation of less wealthy or less powerful individuals. Conclusions This systems-oriented analysis revealed how Zambian women’s prisoners’ health and access to healthcare is influenced by weak resourcing for prisoner health, administrative biases, and a prevailing organisational and inmate culture. Findings highlight the urgent need for investment in structural improvements in health service availability but also interventions to reform the organisational culture which shapes officers’ understanding and responsiveness to women prisoners’ health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4812, Australia. .,Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 30346, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Clement N Moonga
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4812, Australia
| | - Constance Mudenda
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4812, Australia
| | - Nkandu Luo
- c/- CAPAH, National Assembly Parliament Buildings, PO Box 31299, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Michael Kaingu
- c/- CAPAH, National Assembly Parliament Buildings, PO Box 31299, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Jody S Heymann
- School of Public Health, University of California, LA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - German Henostroza
- College of Public Health Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4812, Australia.,University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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