Female Inmates Research Articles

English

Objectives: To analyze how the rights to a healthy environment and a family environment of invisible children are protected in the Socabaya-Arequipa-Peru Women’s Prison. Material and method: Data taken from the official documents in the following three prison records were used: the incident log, medical statistical report and the activity control book. The selection criteria were based on the availability, plausibility and official nature of the information in the documents. Qualitative analysis of the applied type and the designs of documentary analysis and grounded theory were selected for the method. Results: The rights of invisible children to healthy conditions and a family environment are inadequately protected in the Socabaya-Arequipa-Peru Women’s Prison. Lack of prison health services disrupt family relationships and negatively impact female inmates’ rights. Discussion: The lack of political will to guarantee rights to healthy conditions and a family environment is due to the fact that gender-based approaches, policies based on the protection of children’s interests, greater transparency and access to public information have yet to be introduced in the prison healthcare milieu.

Examination Of The Influence Of Problem Solving On Intermittent Explosive Disorder Among Female Inmates’ Violence Towards Male Partner In Selected Women Prisons, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive restructuring strategies on intermittent explosive disorder among female inmates’ violence towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya. The study used an Ex Post Facto research design. The study was carried out at Langata and Thika Women Prisons. Quantitative data was obtained from the sampled inmates using questionnaires; while qualitative data was collected using interview guides from the prison key informants. Target population was 1023 inmates. The study incorporated 8 constables, 4 counsellors, 3 chaplains as key informants. Stratified and proportionate simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 307 inmates. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential tests. Hypotheses were tested at p=.05 using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study also revealed that there was a statistically non-significant negative relationship between problem solving and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = -.029, p = .639] with increase intensity of problem-solving indicators, there was decrease in the severity of intermittent explosive disorder. Based on these findings, the study recommends that prison management through the ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, enhance provision of counselling programmes based on cognitive restructuring techniques in the prisons

Evaluation Of The Influence Of Reframing On Intermittentexplosive Disorder Among Female Inmates’ Violence Towards Male Partner In Selected Women Prisons, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive restructuring strategies on intermittent explosive disorder among female inmates’ violence towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya. The study helped to evaluate the influence of reframing on intermittent explosive disorder. The study was anchored on Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura and self-evaluation maintenance theory by Abraham Tesser. The study used an Ex Post Facto research design. The study was carried out at Langata and Thika Women Prisons. Quantitative data was obtained from the sampled inmates using questionnaires; while qualitative data was collected using interview guides from the prison key informants. The study incorporated 8 constables, 4 counsellors, 3 chaplains as key informants. Stratified and proportionate simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 307 inmates. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential tests. Hypotheses were tested at p=.05 using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically according to the study objectives. The findings showed there was a statistically nonsignificant positive relationship between reframing and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = .051, p = .417]. Increase in intensity of frame shift, target thoughts and evidence of thoughts led to increased traits of intermittent explosive disorder. Based on these findings, the study recommends that prison management through the ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, enhance provision of counselling programmes mbased on cognitive restructuring techniques in the prisons. Reframing as a technique would provide solutions on the past painful memories of the inmates; optimistically avoid violence and keep away from crime

Psycho-Socio-Demographic Risk Factors of Self-injurious Behaviors in Iranian Females Inmates: A Case-Control Study

Background: Self-injurious behavior or self-harm among inmates is a common phenomenon. However, no study has yet been conducted in Iran regarding self-harm in female inmates. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the psycho-socio-demographic risk factors associated with non-suicidal self-harm in Iranian female inmates. Patients and Methods: Participants in this case-control study were 306 female inmates in Tehran, who were randomly selected and divided into two groups: (1) 88 individuals who scored 5 or higher on the Sansone Self-harm Inventory (SHI), and (2) 88 individuals randomly selected from the 218 inmates who did not self-harm as the comparison group. The participants completed a researcher-designed questionnaire, SHI, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. The data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis in SPSS version 16. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that marital status (B = 1.438, P = 0.002), arrest history (B = 1.295, P = 0.005), substance abuse (B = 1.198, P = 0.011), psychiatric diagnoses (B = 1.126, P = 0.018), parental divorce (B = 1.280, P = 0.005), and difficulties in emotion regulation (B = 0.027, P = 0.022) were significant predictors of self-harm in inmates. Although there was a difference in the addiction rates of parents between those with self-harm and those without, this variable did not predict self-harm in female inmates (B = 0.488, P = 0.307). Conclusions: The results of this study underscore the importance of family-based preventive interventions to prevent self-harm behaviors among female inmates.

Impacts of Gender Disparity and Socio-Educational Structure on Legal Awareness of Women Inmates: A Case Study of Prisons in Sindh, Pakistan

The study is an endeavor to undertake an in-depth analysis of the prevailing injustices faced by women inmates incarcerated in one of the merged prisons(merger of 2 districts)of Sindh Province Pakistan. It aims to explore how social norms, education system, and gender discrimination, collectively influence the women inmates' legal awareness and struggles for availing their legal rights and equitable treatment. By employing a mixed-method research design, including in-depth interviews with women inmates, questionnaires, and an interview guide with open-ended questions, the study uncovered the multifaceted barriers they encounter. The study also advocates fostering a more inclusive and gender-responsive criminal justice system and concludes that the intersectional nature of these challenges impacts legal awareness of women inmates and also has some significant implications for stakeholders and reformists in the context of entertaining the female inmates without gender discrimination as ensuring Article-4 of the 1973 constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE IN PRISONERS IN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS FEMALE CLASS II B PADANG

Correctional institutions are institutions used to train and guide law violators. Inmates during their prison period experience problems such as inner conflict, trauma, difficulty adapting, unstable emotions and anxiety. To be able to survive and adapt during the prison period inmates need the ability to adapt and overcome various problems that arise which are made with resilience, one of the factors that affect a person's resilience is self-esteem. Therefore, this study aims to see the relationship between self-esteem and resilience in female inmates of class IIB Padang. This study uses a quantitative research method with a correlational approach. The number of samples in this study was 53 inmates who were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out using the resilience scale and self-esteem scale from Karimah (2022). The data analysis in this study uses product moment correlation analysis with the help of SPSS.26. The results of this study show that self-esteem has a relationship with resilience in inmates in class IIB Padang women's correctional institution.

Magnitude and Determinants of Latent Tuberculosis Among Inmates of Saudi Correctional Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To estimate the prevalence and determinants of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) among inmates of four correctional facilities in Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective review of health records. All inmates of four correctional facilities in Saudi Arabia were screened for tuberculosis in 2022. Their LTBI status was defined as more than 10mm Mantoux test result and negative X-ray chest result. The prevalence of LTBI and their determinants like age, gender, country of origin, location of the prison, and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) status were studied. We reviewed screening data of 10,042 inmates in four Saudi prisons. The prevalence of LTBI was 7.4%. The risk difference of LTBI was significantly higher in males compared to female inmates (P < 0.001). The highest prevalence of LTBI was noticed among males (7.7%), those older than 60 years old (26.9%), and African expatriates (12.1%). None of the female inmates or those with HIV had LTBI.The binomial regression analysis revealed a highly significant effect of older age on the risk of having LTBI. The prevalence of LTBI was low among inmates at Saudi correctional facilities. The males, old age, and persons from African and Asian countries had a higher risk of LTBI. The prevalence of LTBI among inmates of Saudi prisons could be predicted by knowing their age group.

Parientes y emprendedoras. Formas de participación de mujeres en el mercado local ilegal de drogas en la ciudad de Rosario (Argentina)

This article proposes, through a predominantly ethnographic approach, the analysis of the forms of participation of women in activities linked to the local illegal drug market in the city of Rosario (Argentina). It is interesting to ask what the specific modalities of participation are like in this predominantly masculine universe. In other words, it is worth asking if this form of participation always occurs from a place of subordination or if women also occupy spaces of power, authority and/or leadership. To this end, an empirical universe composed of in-depth interviews and conversational situations held with female inmates in the women’s prison in the city of Rosario in Argentina, carried out during the years 2022 and 2023, is analyzed.

Challenges Faced by Female Inmates and the Effects of Inadequate Women's Prisons

Challenges Faced by Female Inmates and the Effects of Inadequate Women's Prisons

Exploring motivational drivers for English language learning in Greek prisons

In adult education, understanding the dynamics of motivation among incarcerated individuals to attend English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes is crucial for effective educational programming, successful rehabilitation, and recidivism reduction efforts. The present study, focusing on Greek prisons, investigates two key aspects: a) the influence of sociodemographic factors (marital status, age, gender, and occupation previous to sentence) on inmates’ motivation to attend EFL classes and b) the relative prevalence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors driving inmates to attend EFL classes. Grounded in theories of foreign language learning motivation, the study employed quantitative methods with a large sample of 400 adult inmates enrolled in English classes at Second Chance Schools across all Greek prisons. The findings reveal that marital status, age, gender, and previous occupation are factors that significantly impact inmates’ motivation to attend EFL classes, with female inmates demonstrating higher motivation than their male counterparts. Notably, the study highlights the predominance of extrinsic motivation among inmates, with the desire to make their families proud being the most highly rated motivational driver.

Social reintegration of cisgender and transgender women post-incarceration in Brazil: policies and challenges

BackgroundSocial reintegration relies on the support given to prisoners not only during their reentry into society but also throughout their imprisonment. Our goal was to analyze the expectations reported by cisgender and transgender women returning to society and of the justice and social welfare professionals from the Brazilian prison system.MethodsA qualitative analysis using saturation sampling was conducted. The participants were selected through a non-probabilistic sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the management of the prison system and female former inmates. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an open and focused coding process. Textual data was stored, organized, and coded using Atlas software according to emerging themes.ResultsThe study involved 15 professionals and 13 female former inmates, five of them identified as transgender women. Among the professionals, the age range went from 38 to 65 years old; they reported a work history in their respective fields, from 10 to 35 years, with an equal distribution across genders. As for the female former inmates, their ages ranged from 24 to 42 years old, and the most reported crime was drug trafficking. Their incarceration time varied from 1 to 8 years. Female inmates were vulnerable to abuse and violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Women in situations of prior vulnerability faced additional challenges during their sentences. Transgender women were even more neglected and discriminated against by the system. Despite the professionals being aware and concerned about vulnerabilities and the need to improve the reintegration process, in general, they were not sensitive to the gender perspective. There were no specific policies able to support social integration for this public.ConclusionsData showed multifaceted challenges faced by female former inmates within the Brazilian prison system, highlighting the insufficient policies for both cisgender and transgender women. Additionally, the results revealed a lack of sensitivity among professionals regarding gender issues and their particularities in the prison system and social reintegration. These findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and intersectional approach that addresses the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of these individuals.

A silent threat behind bars: Serosurvey and associated risk factors for strongyloidiasis in female inmates and correctional officers

Strongyloidiasis has been a neglected parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides genus parasites. Despite assessment of S. stercoralis exposure in different vulnerable populations, seroprevalence in inmates worldwide remains to be fully established. Due to poor sanitation and lack of personal hygienic practices, incarcerated individuals have been considered prone to spread infectious illnesses. Accordingly, the present study has assessed exposure and associated risk factors for strongyloidiasis in women inmates and correctional officers at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, part of the third largest incarceration complex in Brazil at the time. Blood samplings were performed in 2020 and 2021from a total of 503 women inmates and 92 correctional officers. Participants voluntarily responded to an epidemiological questionnaire to assess associated risk factors to strongyloidiasis. Serological analysis was performed by ELISA for anti-S. stercoralis IgG detection. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, adopting a 5% level of significance. The data were submitted to univariate analysis by chi-square or Fisher´s Exact test for assessing the association among seropositivity and the variables. The variables with p-value < 0.2 in the univariate analysis were considered fit to be included in the logistic regression. In overall, 356/503 (70.8%; 95% CI: 66.7-74.6) inmates were seropositive for anti-S. stercoralis antibodies, with no statistically associated risk factor to seropositivity. A total of 57/92 (62.0%; 95% CI: 51.8-71.2) correctional officers were seropositive, and logistic regression revealed that individuals older than 50 years were more likely seropositive. In conclusion, the high endemicity observed herein has indicated a history of previous exposure to S. stercoralis and warned for a systematic strongyloidiasis screening for inmates, to prevent long term morbidity and disseminated infection during incarceration.

The dual nature of working memory deficits: methamphetamine abusers have more impaired social working memory capacity than canonical working memory capacity.

Social working memory (WM) temporarily retains and manipulates various aspects of social information. Extensive research has highlighted impaired social cognitive functions in individuals with substance addiction. However, the specific deficit in social WM within this population remains notably understudied. Bridging this gap, we investigated social WM capacity using biological motion (BM) stimuli in methamphetamine (MA) abusers compared to an inmate control group, alongside contrasting these findings with their canonical WM deficits. Across two studies, we recruited female MA abusers (N = 80) undergoing post-isolation rehabilitation within a mandatory confinement circumstance. To ensure a pertinent comparison, we recruited female inmates (N = 80) subjected to comparable confinement. Results show substantial BM WM impairment in MA abusers, yet non-BM WM remains mostly intact. These findings highlight a pronounced social WM deficit in MA abusers, surpassing their canonical WM deficit relative to inmate controls. This suggests a distinct dissociation between social and canonical WM processing.

Narratives of Women Offenders: Difficult Paths to Prison

Life-course criminology endeavors to comprehend the intricate interplay between individual traits, societal surroundings, and life occurrences that shape patterns of criminal behavior. Within this framework, the concept of life trajectories leading to criminality has emerged, underscoring the importance of scrutinizing women‘s narratives. This entails examining their childhood experiences, and adult challenges, and identifying circumstances that foster recidivism. The present publication unveils condensed accounts of female inmates at Panevėžys (Lithuania) women‘s prison, categorized into four trajectories: the typical woman or random offender, the victimized woman, the chronic offender, and the woman belonging to a marginalized cohort.

“Behind bars: Understanding prisoner perception of penitentiary rehabilitation in Kazakhstan”

This study focuses on identifying factors that, from the perspective of prisoners, contribute to positive perceptions of rehabilitation (correction) in prison. A survey was conducted of 645 soon-to-be-released inmates (530 males and 115 females) in five institutions, with questions covering demographics, incarceration details, access to social services, and personal values. The research revealed that male inmates tended to hold more positive views on penitentiary rehabilitation than female inmates. However, it was observed that the rigidity of the prison regime and the existence of chronic illnesses among inmates negatively influenced these positive perceptions towards rehabilitation. Furthermore, the implementation of diverse rehabilitation-focused initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), coupled with an awareness of rights and responsibilities and the presence of strong family values, has been linked to fostering positive perceptions of rehabilitation. These findings highlight the critical need for enhanced cooperation between non-governmental organisations and prison facilities, as well as the introduction of social work practices within Kazakhstan's prison system. Policymakers should consider these factors when designing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, emphasising the utilization of social work technologies.

Sensory Processing Patterns of Women in a Reintegration Facility: An Exploratory Study

Female inmates may be more likely to experience sensory processing concerns due to higher rates of mental illness and trauma compared to the general population. To investigate this, we administered the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile to 66 women incarcerated in a reintegration center in the US Midwest. The female inmates demonstrated no statistically significant difference from the general population in sensory-seeking behaviors (p = 0.100). However, they were statistically different in low registration (p < 0.000), sensory avoiding (p < 0.000), and sensory sensitivity (p < 0.000). These findings highlight the importance of recognizing differences in sensory processing patterns among female inmates, as sensory processing can have an impact on behavior, life skills, and reintegration efforts. In light of these results, this paper provides suggestions for sensory-specific intervention and discusses future collaborations and research.

Self-harm among inmates of the Berlin prison system.

Self-harming behavior in prisoners is a prevalent phenomenon, with international studies estimating a 4% prevalence rate. However, studies on self-injurious behavior in the German prison system are currently lacking. Therefore, our study aims to conduct an initial assessment. The Criminological Service for the Berlin Prison System distributed questionnaires on incidents of self-harm to all Berlin prisons, except for juvenile detention centers. The questionnaires were supplemented with medical data, such as psychiatric diagnoses and medication. 62 questionnaires were returned, which could be attributed to 52 inmates. Compared to the average population in the Berlin prison system, the study sample exhibited variations in age, gender distribution and nationality. 94% of the inmates received a psychiatric diagnosis. Two-thirds of the male inmates had substance use disorders, while 83% of the female inmates had emotionally unstable personality resp. borderline disorders. Prior to self-harm, 87% of the inmates were administered psychiatric medication. Our study found similarities between the study population and international studies in the distribution of certain characteristics. We assume that many of the postulated risk factors can also apply to Berlin prisoners. However, the study is limited by the small number of cases and the absence of a control group.

I Am in Prison, Making Batik, and You Are Visiting Me

AbstractThis article contributes to the literature on interreligious engagement in prison from the perspective of Christian religious educational and missional ministry. It uses a case study conducted in the Class IIA Women's Correctional Institution in Semarang, Indonesia. In Indonesia, educational and missional ministry in prisons plays a vital role in supporting prison services. This ministry is understood as part of the Christian mandate to serve those in prison, regardless of their religion. Though spiritual development for Christian inmates is also essential, it is important to consider a comprehensive interreligious engagement programme that includes art, creativity, and imagination, including batik‐making. Using a postcolonial feminist perspective, this article proposes practices relevant to prison ministry, especially for female inmates. The practices are both educational and missional. We call the interconnection between the educational and missional a liberating third space – a space of interreligious engagement that is relevant for female inmates in Indonesia.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV infections and risk factors associated to tuberculosis in detained persons in Antananarivo, Madagascar

The incidence rate of tuberculosis in prisons is estimated to be 8 times greater than that in the general population in Madagascar. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV infection among prisoners and to identify risk factors associated with tuberculosis. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the central prison of Antananarivo from March to July 2021. Individual male and female inmates aged ≥ 13 years who had lived in the prison for at least three months prior to the study period were included as participants. Acid-fast bacilli detection by microscopy and/or culture, an intradermal tuberculin test, a chest X-ray, and a rapid diagnostic orientation test for HIV were performed. Among 748 participants, 4 (0.5%) were confirmed to have pulmonary tuberculosis. Overall, 14 (1.9%) patients had “confirmed” or “probable” tuberculosis [0.90–2.84, 95% CI]. The proportion of participants with latent tuberculosis infection was 69.6% (517/743) based on a positive tuberculin test without clinical symptoms or radiography images indicating tuberculosis. Out of 745 HIV screening tests, three showed reactive results (0.4%). Age (OR = 4.4, 95% CI [1.4–14.0]) and prior tuberculosis treatment (or episodes) were found to be associated with confirmed and probable tuberculosis.

The Just Prison? Women’s Prison Reform and the Figure of the “Offender-as-Victim” in Germany

During the 1990s, the Berlin women’s prison was reformed to do justice to female inmates. This redesigning of space and programs was intended to meet women-specific conditions and needs. The present paper engages with this prison reform as transformation in the name of gender justice. Based on interviews with prison reformers, criminologists, and policymakers, as well as on the analysis of historical documents, we illuminate how a specific figure of the “criminalized woman” helps to translate the abstract notion of social justice into situated practice. From the 1970s onward, a new knowledge of women’s crime would emerge: it constituted female offenders as victims of patriarchal oppression and victimization, allowing the prison system to be criticized as androcentric and discriminatory against women. We argue that subsequent reform pursued gender justice in the form of difference-based, gender-responsive programs and spaces targeting individual inmates’ character and mindset. Thereby, the reformers’ initial critique of social justice would be unintentionally depoliticized and so gender, economic, and political inequalities remained unaddressed. Our purpose is hence twofold: first, to review the recent history of women’s incarceration in Germany, and second, to add a social justice focus to the international criminological debate on gender, prison, and reform.