Other Titles
Culturally diverse health behaviors
Abstract
Purpose: To describe health conditions and risk behaviors among persons entering maximum security prison in New York State.
Methods: Between January 2011 and March 2013 as part of a study to assess the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), male (n=426) and female (n=404) inmates at intake to two New York State maximum-security prisons were interviewed regarding demographic, social, and health issues, their medical records were reviewed, and anterior nares and oropharyngeal samples were collected. The majority (>96%) were entering from other jails or prisons.
Results: Approximately one-third each were aged <30, between 30-40, or >40 years; 47% were black, 24% white, 20% Hispanic, and 8% other. The largest proportion (44%) had 50% of inmates were colonized with S. aureus; 5.9% of men and 10.6% of women were colonized with MRSA, a rate approximately 10 times higher than in the general population.
Conclusion: Men and women entering prison have high rates of chronic health conditions and behaviors that increase their risk of disease and infection. Adequate provision of health services in prison is important to reduce morbidity and prevent transmission of infectious diseases within the prison and after parole.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Vulnerable Populations, Prison Health
Recommended Citation
Larson, Elaine L.; Apa, Zoltan L.; Bai, Jennifer; Befus, Montina B.; Lowy, Franklin D.; and Mukherjee, Dhritiman, "Chronic health conditions and behaviors among persons entering maximum security prison" (2014). INRC (Congress). 147.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2014/presentations_2014/147
Conference Name
25th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Hong Kong
Conference Year
2014
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Chronic health conditions and behaviors among persons entering maximum security prison
Hong Kong
Purpose: To describe health conditions and risk behaviors among persons entering maximum security prison in New York State.
Methods: Between January 2011 and March 2013 as part of a study to assess the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), male (n=426) and female (n=404) inmates at intake to two New York State maximum-security prisons were interviewed regarding demographic, social, and health issues, their medical records were reviewed, and anterior nares and oropharyngeal samples were collected. The majority (>96%) were entering from other jails or prisons.
Results: Approximately one-third each were aged <30, between 30-40, or >40 years; 47% were black, 24% white, 20% Hispanic, and 8% other. The largest proportion (44%) had 50% of inmates were colonized with S. aureus; 5.9% of men and 10.6% of women were colonized with MRSA, a rate approximately 10 times higher than in the general population.
Conclusion: Men and women entering prison have high rates of chronic health conditions and behaviors that increase their risk of disease and infection. Adequate provision of health services in prison is important to reduce morbidity and prevent transmission of infectious diseases within the prison and after parole.