Abstract
This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a nutrition trial in adult male prisoners. Adult male prisoners were recruited for a 16-week randomised control trial comparing the effect of ingestion of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) and multivitamin supplements versus placebo on aggressive behaviour. The baseline and post-intervention assessments from the participant blood samples were the erythrocyte n-3 LCPUFA levels as well as measures of aggressive behaviour determined through institutional records of misconduct (IRM), the Inmate Behaviour Observation Scale (IBOS), and questionnaires. A total of 136 adult male prisoners consented to the study with a retention rate of 60%, and 93% of blood samples were successfully collected. The IRM and IBOS scores were collected for 100% of participants, whilst 82–97% of participants completed the questionnaires. From the baseline data, the Odds Ratio shows that prisoners are 4.3 times more likely to have an IBOS >2 if they are below the 6% cut off on the omega-3 index. Both groups improved across all outcome measures and, at the current sample size, no significant differences were seen between them. A power calculation suggests a total sample size of 600 participants is required to detect the effects of this dietary supplementation, and that this supplementation study is feasible in a Correctional Centre. Important criteria for the exclusion and consideration of logistics and compliance are presented.
Highlights
Anti-social and aggressive behaviour has been found to be associated with poor diets, diets deficient in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA): eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [1,2]
We previously reported a negative correlation between the Omega-3 Index and aggressive behaviour in Australian prisoners [19], while Miles et al [20] reported that violent offenders released into the community and provided 3 g of n-3 LCPUFA daily had an increased Omega-3 Index and reduced post-release criminal behaviour
The researchers approached the assistant commissioner Correctional Services New South Wales (CSNSW) to collaborate on the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of n-3 LCPUFA on aggressive behaviour in adult male prisoners at the South Coast Correctional Centre (SCCC) in Nowra, NSW
Summary
Anti-social and aggressive behaviour has been found to be associated with poor diets, diets deficient in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA): eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [1,2]. N-3 LCPUFA supplementation was found to decrease aggression in healthy men [4], violent patients with schizophrenia [5], and children [6,7]. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with n-3 LCPUFA may be a generalisable nutritional adjunct treatment for aggression. Such a treatment is of particular interest for use in prisons, as violence in incarcerated populations has a great economic and personal cost for prisoners, staff, and the wider community [8]. Participants in the n-3 LCPUFA group were given a multivitamin and a dietary supplement containing
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