1
|
LeBlanc CP, Johnson C, Goguen P, Gagnon S. The Nutritional Content of Food in Carceral Institutions: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2024. [PMID: 39302212 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.23.10.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The nutritional content of food in carceral institutions is important because it influences weight gain and health during incarceration. This systematic review assessed the available quantitative data and nutritional analyses of food in carceral institutions. Methodology is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement with four phases (identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion). Nine articles were selected. Most carceral institutions provided adequate nutrition for micronutrients, except for vitamin D (inadequate) and sodium (excessive). Most menus followed recommendations for macronutrients. Food from the commissary stores is high in calories, sugar, fat, and sodium. Most menus are adequate according to Dietary Reference Intakes. Changing menus drastically to meet nutritional targets may lead to consuming more food from commissary, potentially leading to poorer eating. For some menus, minor adjustments could bring the nutritional content closer to recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline P LeBlanc
- École des sciences des aliments, de nutrition et d'études familiales, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Claire Johnson
- École des hautes études publiques, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Pierre Goguen
- Bibliothèque Champlain, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Samuel Gagnon
- Centre de recherche et de développement en éducation, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leech K, Rodham K, Burton A, Hughes T. Understanding weight gain in female prisoners. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRISON HEALTH 2024; 20:271-285. [PMID: 39183586 DOI: 10.1108/ijoph-05-2023-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to investigate female prisoners' perspectives on why they gain weight while in prison. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A qualitative design was used with semi-structured interviews with six females currently residing in a prison in the south of England. FINDINGS Analysis of the data generated three themes relating to the reasons why women gain weight in prison. These were labelled as "The only thing you haven't got to ask permission for is your food, it's just handed to you", "If you've been stripped of the things that make you happy, or that you are addicted to, eating can soothe you" and "prison can make you take better care of your health". ORIGINALITY/VALUE The results identify perceived reasons why women gain weight in prison uniquely from the female prisoner perspective. The implications of the research identify the need for systemic change throughout different prison departments to enable women to maintain a healthy weight during their custodial sentence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Leech
- Department of Psychology Health and Justice Services, Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK and Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Karen Rodham
- Department of Psychology, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK and Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Amy Burton
- Department of Psychology, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Johnson C. Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Implications for Conducting Nutrition/Health Research in Canadian Federal Correctional Facilities. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2022:1-5. [PMID: 36413401 DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
While conducting nutrition/health research into weight changes during incarceration and related determinants, it became apparent that the correctional setting in Canada was unique and required study design modifications to ensure study success. Consequently, we made many methodological adjustments during recruitment and data collection because of unforeseen challenges in the correctional context. This paper provides an illustrative example and shares insights on the challenges faced when conducting nutrition/health research in Canadian correctional facilities. Guidance on how to adapt research methods to make them more conducive to this unique environment is provided. This paper also highlights the importance of conducting nutrition/health research in this setting, especially given the lack of this type of research and the need for more evidence-based data to guide health promotion and nutritional interventions in Canadian correctional facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Johnson
- École des hautes études publique, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Johnson C, Labbé C, Lachance A, LeBlanc CP. The Menu Served in Canadian Penitentiaries: A Nutritional Analysis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163400. [PMID: 36014903 PMCID: PMC9416739 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The food served in Canadian penitentiaries was scrutinized following food service reform where Correctional Service Canada (CSC) created a standardized menu to feed incarcerated male individuals. Food in prison is a complex issue because penitentiaries are responsible for providing adequate nutrition to the prison population, who are vulnerable to poor health outcomes but are often seen as undeserving. This study aimed to analyse the national menu served in Canadian penitentiaries, in order to compare them with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for male adults and the internal nutritional assessment reported by CSC. The goal was to verify if the menu served was adequate and to validate CSC’s nutritional assessment. The diet analysis software NutrificR was used to analyse the 4-week cycle menu. Both analyses were within range for DRIs for most nutrients. However, some nutrients were not within target. The sodium content (3404.2 mg) was higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) of 2300 mg, the ω-6 (linolenic acid) content (10.8 g) was below the AI of 14 g, and the vitamin D content (16.2 μg) was below the target of 20 μg for individuals older than 70 years. When these outliers were analysed in-depth, the menu offering was consistent with the eating habits of non-incarcerated individuals. Based on this nutritional analysis and interpretation of the results in light of the complex nature of prison food, this study concludes that CSC meets its obligation to provide a nutritionally adequate menu offering to the general population during incarceration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Johnson
- École des Hautes Études Publiques, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-506-858-4000 (ext. 4365)
| | - Charlotte Labbé
- École des Sciences des Aliments, de Nutrition et d’Études Familiales, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Anne Lachance
- École des Hautes Études Publiques, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Caroline P. LeBlanc
- École des Sciences des Aliments, de Nutrition et d’Études Familiales, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wilson A. Exploring Carceral Food Systems as Sites of Contestation and Possibility in Canadian Federal Prisons: The Food Services Modernization Initiative. CRITICAL CRIMINOLOGY 2022; 31:83-104. [PMID: 35506127 PMCID: PMC9049010 DOI: 10.1007/s10612-022-09628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Centering the perspectives and lived experiences of incarcerated persons, this article considers the ways food is used as a tool and site of contestation and possibility within federal prisons in Canada. Focusing specifically on the implementation of and resistance to the Food Services Modernization Initiative, I explore food as "contested terrain" within carceral systems, making visible a range of tactics of resistance employed by incarcerated persons, from testimonials and official complaints to direct collective action. In analyzing these actions and narratives, I reflect on the importance of both food justice and prisoner justice to transforming carceral food systems and call for greater acknowledgment of carceral food systems within food movement discourses and campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wilson
- School of Social Innovation, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Assessment of Satisfaction with Health Services among Prisoners—Descriptive Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030548. [PMID: 35327030 PMCID: PMC8950213 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the access of prisoners to healthcare services, as well as the level of satisfaction with the provided services and health assessment among prisoners. Methods: The research was conducted in one of the penitentiary centers in Poland among people jailed between 1 January to 31 January 2020. The response rate of the self-administrated questionnaire was 52.05% (469/901) participants. There were 389 men and 77 women. Results: Prisoners assessed access to health services including GP doctors, specialist doctors, dentists, and hospitals in 3 categories: “bad” ranged: 27.03–67.60%; “medium” ranged: 22.54–53.57%; “good” ranged: 7.02–33.96% depending on the type of arrest, but no statistical significance was demonstrated. Satisfaction with the health services defined as “bad” ranged: 25.00–61.11%; “medium” ranged: 18.97–55.56%; “good” ranged: 5.56–34.62% depending on the type of arrest but no statistical significance was demonstrated. Of 469 prisoners, 215 prisoners (45.84%) declared no addictions. The frequency of addiction does not differ depending on the place/type of punishment served (p = 0.9). In turn, 317 prisoners (68%) declared no chronic diseases. Conclusions: Most of the prisoners described access to health services as “bad”, except female prisoners from a semi-open facility. In turn, satisfaction with healthcare services was most often assessed as “bad”, except for temporarily arrested men and female prisoners from a semi-open facility.
Collapse
|
7
|
Grammatikopoulou MG, Lampropoulou MΑ, Milapidou M, Goulis DG. At the heart of the matter: Cardiovascular health challenges among incarcerated women. Maturitas 2021; 149:16-25. [PMID: 34134886 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many factors appear to contribute to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among incarcerated women. Imprisonment is associated with a bodyweight gain and an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. Inadequate physical activity and unhealthy nutrition further contribute to this positive energy balance. Classical CVD risk factors are common, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and smoking. Moreover, imprisonment is associated with an increased incidence of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, with coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, being frequently adopted. Specific attitudes in the correctional environment, including hunger strikes, bullying, abuse and solitary confinement, are effectors of cardiovascular and mental ill-health. Furthermore, the plethora of psychological stressors induces an accelerated aging process, paired with CVD risk. Communicable diseases, mainly human immunodeficiency virus, opportunistic infections and inadequate sunlight exposure increase cardiovascular dysregulation. Health care needs associated with the female sex are not always met, adding to the frustration and compromised well-being. All these factors act independently and cumulatively, increasing CVD risk among incarcerated women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Grammatikopoulou
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Alexander Campus, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Α Lampropoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Alexander Campus, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Milapidou
- Dr. Juris, Post Doc Researcher, Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bondolfi C, Taffe P, Augsburger A, Jaques C, Malebranche M, Clair C, Bodenmann P. Impact of incarceration on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-regression on weight and BMI change. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039278. [PMID: 33067292 PMCID: PMC7569938 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiovascular disease is an underappreciated issue in prison medicine. Recent studies have revealed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs) among individuals in prison, but the impact of incarceration on CVDRFs over time is not well understood. This review aimed to assess available literature and quantify the relationship between incarceration and trends in major CVDRFs in high-income countries. DESIGN Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Meta-regression on weight change and obesity. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Wiley and Web of Science. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Longitudinal studies reporting on the incidence of, or trends in any CVDRF among current or former people in prison over time, in high-income countries. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two authors independently screened articles for eligibility, extracted data and assessed quality using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Trends in CVDRFs during and following incarceration were summarised and in those with sufficient data a meta-regression was performed. RESULTS Twenty-six articles were identified. CVDRFs assessed included obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. A meta-regression on change in weight during incarceration found a mean increase of 5.3 kg (95% CI 0.5 to 10.1) and change in body mass index of 1.8 kg/m2 (95% CI -0.9 to 4.6) at 2 years. Weight gain appeared most pronounced right after entering prison and then plateaued at 2 years. Concerning hypertension, the results were inconclusive, despite a trend towards rising blood pressure or prevalence of hypertension during incarceration, and an increased incidence of hypertension following incarceration. Results are contradictory or inconclusive for the other CVDRFs reviewed. CONCLUSION Possible explanations for the association between incarceration and weight include a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, forced smoking cessation, psychotropic medication use and high levels of stress. Incarceration may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Bondolfi
- Department of Vulnerable Populations and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Taffe
- Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Augsburger
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | | | - Mary Malebranche
- Department of Vulnerable Populations and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
- Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carole Clair
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Vulnerable Populations and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Johnson C, Chaput JP, Diasparra M, Richard C, Dubois L. How did the tobacco ban increase inmates' body weight during incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries? A cohort study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024552. [PMID: 31315854 PMCID: PMC6661556 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine how inmates' body weight changed during incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries, based on their history of tobacco use. Since tobacco was banned from all Canadian federal penitentiaries in 2008, little is known about the unintended health consequences of this ban, especially on inmates' body weight. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Participants were male and female inmates incarcerated for at least 6 months in Canadian federal penitentiaries. We collected data from 10 institutions in two Canadian regions (Ontario and Atlantic). PARTICIPANTS We collected data from 754 inmates who volunteered to participate in the study. INTERVENTION This study examined weight change in relation to a history of tobacco use. In 2016-2017, anthropometric data were collected and compared with recorded anthropometric data at the beginning of incarceration (mean follow-up of 5.0±8.3 years). Self-reported data on tobacco and substance use were collected. Weight change was compared between inmates with and without a history of tobacco use. OUTCOMES The main outcome measures were body weight change (kg), body mass index (BMI) change (kg/m2), annual weight change (kg/year), and BMI and waist circumference (cm) at the time of the interview. RESULTS During incarceration, ex-smokers gained more than twice the amount of weight compared with non-smokers (7.5 kg weight gain for smokers vs 3.7 kg weight gain for non-smokers). Once adjusted for covariates in a regression analysis, for inmates who gained the most weight (75th and 90th percentiles), non-smokers had, respectively, 1.64 and 2.3 lower BMI points than ex-smokers. CONCLUSIONS During incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries, inmates with a history of tobacco use gained significantly more weight than non-smokers. This put them at increased risk of developing obesity-related health problems. This information is important for the prison setting when planning related programmes and regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Johnson
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- Department of Human Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maikol Diasparra
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Richard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lise Dubois
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Johnson C, Chaput JP, Diasparra M, Richard C, Dubois L. Influence of physical activity, screen time and sleep on inmates' body weight during incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries: a retrospective cohort study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2019; 110:198-209. [PMID: 30610565 PMCID: PMC6964490 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-018-0165-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent research found that inmates experience undesirable and rapid weight gain during incarceration in Canadian federal penitentiaries. However, little is known about what factors and daily movement behaviours (e.g., physical activity, screen time, and sleep) influence weight gain during incarceration. This study examines how these 24-h movement/non-movement behaviours contribute to weight gain during incarceration. METHODS This retrospective cohort study explored how weight change outcomes during incarceration (weight change, body mass index (BMI) change, and yearly weight gain) were influenced by physical activity, screen time, and sleep in a convenience sample of 754 inmates. The outcome measures were taken twice, once from participants' medical chart at admission and again during a face-to-face follow-up interview (conducted in 2016-2017; mean follow-up time of 5.0 ± 8.3 years). Physical activity, screen time, and sleep were self-reported. The statistical analysis was chi-square testing, non-parametric median comparison testing, and regression analysis to control for confounders. RESULTS Inmates who engaged in at least 60 min of daily physical activities gained less weight (4.5 kg) compared to inmates who reported not exercising (8.3 kg). Different types of exercise (cardiovascular exercises, weight lifting, and team sports) were helpful at limiting weight gain, but playing sports was the most effective. Screen time and sleep were not associated with weight gain outcomes. CONCLUSION Among the behaviours examined, physical inactivity was significantly associated with higher weight gain during incarceration. However, even high levels of physical activity (> 60 min/day) were not sufficient to eliminate weight gain during incarceration in Canada.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Johnson
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7K4, Canada.
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maikol Diasparra
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Richard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lise Dubois
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|