Risk factors for all-cause, natural, and unnatural deaths among individuals released from state prison

Abstract

Individuals released from prison have an elevated risk of premature death, especially during the first few weeks after release. Furthermore, these consequences of incarceration may be exacerbated by racial and ethnic disparities. This study examines three types of post-release mortality – all-cause mortality, natural deaths, and unnatural deaths which include accidents, suicides, and homicides – among individuals released from Minnesota state prisons in order to identify characteristics and experiences that place individuals at risk. In addition, we conduct race-specific models examining these types of mortality among White, Black, and Native American releasees. The results of Cox regression models show several personal characteristics, custodial factors, and circumstances of release are related to risk of death. The results also show that, while many risk or protective factors appear to be universal, some race-specific risk factors do exist.