Abstract
BackgroundMexico City prisons are characterized by overcrowded facilities and poor living conditions for housed prisoners. Chronic disease profile is characterized by low prevalence of self reported hypertension (2.5%) and diabetes (1.8%) compared to general population; 9.5% of male inmates were obese. There is limited evidence regarding on the exposure to prison environment over prisoner’s health status; particularly, on cardiovascular disease risk factors. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between length of incarceration and selected risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs).Methods and FindingsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from two large male prisons in Mexico City (n = 14,086). Using quantile regression models we assessed the relationship between length of incarceration and selected risk factors for NCDs; stratified analysis by age at admission to prison was performed. We found a significant negative trend in BMI and WC across incarceration length quintiles. BP had a significant positive trend with a percentage change increase around 5% mmHg. The greatest increase in systolic blood pressure was observed in the older age at admission group.ConclusionsThis analysis provides insight into the relationship between length of incarceration and four selected risk factors for NCDs; screening for high blood pressure should be guarantee in order to identify at risk individuals and linked to the prison’s health facility. It is important to assess prison environment features to approach potential risk for developing NCDs in this context.
Highlights
Infectious diseases and mental health issues have been the main areas of research related to health and risk behaviors among prisoners,[1,2] interest in exploring other health problems is increasing
The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between length of incarceration and selected risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs)
The greatest increase in systolic blood pressure was observed in the older age at admission group. This analysis provides insight into the relationship between length of incarceration and four selected risk factors for NCDs; screening for high blood pressure should be guarantee in order to identify at risk individuals and linked to the prison’s health facility
Summary
Infectious diseases and mental health issues have been the main areas of research related to health and risk behaviors among prisoners,[1,2] interest in exploring other health problems is increasing. A recent systematic review revealed that the prevalence rates of risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) among inmates varies widely.[3] Overweight and obesity prevalence rates in prisons in high income countries like in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are higher than in prisons in low income countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia and Nigeria. Compared to the general population, prevalence rates of obesity and overweight are higher in prisoners in high income countries; whereas in low income countries these differences are in the opposite direction.[3] prevalence of self-reported hypertension in prisons was 14% in Australia, close to 5% in England, Wales and Ireland, and up to 30% in US prisons;[4] whereas selfreported prevalence of diabetes was less than 5% in Australia, England, Wales and 10% in US prisons. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between length of incarceration and selected risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs)
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