Penitentiary Center Research Articles

Assessment of the Nutritional Quality of Meals Served at the Abidjan Penitentiary Center: Implications for Inmate Health

Assessment of the Nutritional Quality of Meals Served at the Abidjan Penitentiary Center: Implications for Inmate Health

Service Learning in non-formal education in a penitentiary center

Introduction: Prisons should promote educational activities in formal and non-formal settings in accordance with the educational model that is carried out in educational contexts other than prisons. Methodology: The aim of this proposal is to promote social commitment and the development of skills, values and attitudes necessary for social reintegration. To this end, the aim is to develop this activity in the context of non-formal education within the prison environment, through the application of a service-learning methodology. Results and Discussion: Over the course of ten sessions, inmates will be able to work with young people at risk of social exclusion by telling their life stories. In this way, the prisoners will have to work on personal introspection and develop strategies to help prevent delinquency in these young people. Conclusions: All this will favour the development of a social commitment in the persons deprived of liberty and therefore, a series of skills and attitudes that will be necessary for their future reintegration.

The priorities for a prisoner are food, being able to talk to their family, and taking a shower: the experiences of prisoners placed in emergency isolation due to COVID-19 in a Catalan prison

PurposeThis study aims to learn about the experiences of inmates who experienced long periods of isolation due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Brians 1 penitentiary centre. This approach is relevant, as it sought to understand the experiences from the perspective of the prisoners during periods of isolation. The aim was to gain in-depth knowledge, based on the idiosyncrasies of this population, of their emotions and coping strategies in the prison context. This information that may be useful to prison institutions and prison primary healthcare teams to guide the organisation in future health emergencies involving the isolation of prisoners.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative interpretative phenomenological study was conducted. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 30 people who had undergone a period of isolation due to a COVID-19 outbreak in one or two of the last two outbreaks at the Brians 1 (Barcelona) prison in 2022, in the days following periods of social isolation. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the content analysis approach, and were coded using the NVivo 12 qualitative software. The credibility and validity of the data analysed were increased through triangulation at different levels. In this study, data was collected from a heterogeneous sample of prisoners, capturing different views among the prison population.FindingsThis research gave us the opportunity to collect prisoners’ accounts of isolation due to COVID-19, in which it became clear that it conditioned the management of time and space in daily prison life. The restrictions amplified negative emotions such as anxiety, stress and restlessness and led to disruptions in communication with the outside world, daily prison activities and judicial processes. Despite these changes, the prisoners understood the imperatives of isolation and the need to adapt to the new situation for a limited period of time. Faced with the detrimental effect on their well-being, the prisoners employed coping strategies focused on emotional management, social supports and occupational engagement.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is subject to several limitations related to the characteristics of the sample. No women participated in the study as the modules studied were exclusively for men. People with impaired cognitive abilities, were not included. With regard to the method, it is understood that conducting the interviews in the days after the isolation may have influenced the content and enthusiasm of the participants. Despite these limitations, we are confident that the data triangulation may have given us reliable insight that will further our knowledge of prisoners’ experiences in this type of situation.Originality/valueThe issue of the negative impact of restrictive measures in the prison environment has rarely been studied from the perspective of prisoners. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide qualitative data on the experiences of prisoners during periods of social isolation due to COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons in Catalonia (Spain). The narratives allowed the authors to determine what impact the restrictions had on the emotional well-being and daily life of the prison population, information that can help prison institutions and healthcare teams understand how prisoners experienced this type of situation. The authors were also able to carry out an in-depth study of the coping strategies used by the prisoners to deal with negative emotions during the COVID-19 outbreaks, which may serve to guide the organisation of material and human resources in future emergencies or regimented situations involving social isolation.

Efficiency analysis of penitentiary centers in Spain using radial and non-radial DEA and its determinants factors 2015–2020

Efficiency analysis of penitentiary centers in Spain using radial and non-radial DEA and its determinants factors 2015–2020

Effectiveness of therapeutic patient education on diabetes in prison.

Therapeutic education is one of the pillars of the approach to diabetes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of group therapeutic patient education in 15 people diagnosed with diabetes, with poor metabolic control, inmates of the Madrid III-Valdemoro Penitentiary Center (Madrid), whose population is exclusively male. Quasi-experimental study based on 4 training sessions aimed at a group of 15 people with diabetes and poor metabolic control. The intervention was carried out by 4 health professionals from the center. An evaluation of knowledge before and after the training and an assessment of the analytical and anthropometric parameters 5 months after the training were carried out. An anonymous self-evaluation questionnaire was also completed by the participants. After the intervention, a statistically significant reduction in weight, abdominal perimeter, glycosylated hemoglobin and diastolic blood pressure was obtained. The remaining parameters decreased non-significantly. The level of diabetes knowledge also improved significantly. The group intervention had a high potency in relation to the introduction of short-term changes in the group of patients with poor metabolic control.

Characteristics of forensic psychiatric patients with a neurocognitive disorder.

Emotional and behavioural disturbances accompanying neurocognitive disorders may sometimes lead to a criminal offence. Our knowledge of this specific forensic subpopulation is lagging behind the knowledge on, and attention for, 'classic' psychiatric disorders in forensic populations. To gain knowledge on the prevalence and characteristics of individuals with neurocognitive disorders in the forensic population. This retrospective database study uses an anonymised data-set of the National Database of penitentiary psychiatric centres (PPC) (N = 8391), which collects data on all patients admitted to one of the four PPCs (mental health clinics within the prison system) in The Netherlands since May 2013. Inclusion criterion for this study was the presence of a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) diagnostic code belonging to the category of neurocognitive disorders. A DSM-IV-TR or DSM-5 diagnostic code of a neurocognitive disorder was classified in 254 out of 8391 unique individuals, resulting in a prevalence of 3.0% in the total PPC population. The most prevalent diagnosis was unspecified neurocognitive disorder (59.1%). The neurocognitive disorder group significantly differed from a random control group from the database (n = 762) on demographic, clinical and criminological variables. The prevalence of neurocognitive disorders in this real-world clinical sample is remarkably lower than in two earlier studies in similar populations. Also remarkable is the relatively high prevalence of an unspecified neurocognitive disorder. These findings lead us to hypothesise that neurocognitive disorders may be underdiagnosed in this population. Forensic psychiatric settings should evaluate whether they have sufficient expertise available in neuropsychological assessment.

Analysis of a Large Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (Alpha) Outbreak in a Catalan Prison Using Conventional and Genomic Epidemiology.

Enforcing strict protocols that prevent transmission of airborne infections in prisons is challenging. We examine a large severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 outbreak in a Catalan penitentiary center in February-April 2021, prior to vaccination deployment. The aim was to describe the evolution of the outbreak using classical and genomic epidemiology and the containment strategy applied. The outbreak was initially detected in 1 module but spread to 4, infecting 7 staff members and 140 incarcerated individuals, 6 of whom were hospitalized (4.4%). Genomic analysis confirmed a single origin (B.1.1.7). Contact tracing identified transmission vectors between modules and prevented further viral spread. In future similar scenarios, the control strategy described here may help limit transmission of airborne infections in correctional settings.

Prison vaccination programmes: the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and future challenges.

Vaccination has traditionally been one of the primary prevention activities to which most effort has been devoted in Spanish penitentiary institutions. Once again, the type 2 coronavirus pandemic causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination in the control of immunopreventable diseases. After overcoming the health emergency caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we face the challenge of recovering the vaccination coverage we had before the pandemic, in addition to increasing the coverage of other vaccines with lesser implantation in our environment. Among the improvement strategies to be implemented would be the optimization of the transmission of health information between penitentiary centers dependent on different administrations. It would also be desirable to be able to access the vaccine information systems of the different autonomous communities, both to know the vaccination status of patients and to report the doses administered during the period of internment, as well as to improve the vaccine statistics available in prison.

Las migrantes tras las rejas: Un desafío para el sistema penitenciario

Migration is a global phenomenon that impacts penitentiary centers like CERESOFE in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. This essay examines the ethical, legal, and social implications of female migration; at this center, 35% of the 156 incarcerated women are migrants. Migration theories help understand their motives. However, precarious detention conditions, lack of access to services, and language barriers negatively affect the physical and mental health of these women, posing challenges that require a critical evaluation to ensure a fair and equitable response.

The Experience of Spanish Prison Nurses with the HIV Pandemic.

This study discusses the experiences of nurses in Spanish prisons during the HIV/AIDS pandemic, emphasizing administrative changes and adaptive measures, such as the creation of the Subdirectorate General of Penitentiary Health. We describe the experiences of nurses in Spanish penitentiary centers in the face of the HIV/AIDS. The interpretative and phenomenological approach explored experiences between 1981 and 2023 through focus groups and convenience sampling. Participants were recruited through telephone calls and telematic meetings using Microsoft Teams. Four key themes were identified: the stigmatization of inmates, changes in nursing, the importance of training and resources, and equal treatment between genders. The nursing vision focused on gathering information, providing comprehensive patient support, and sharing personal experiences. This research provides a historical perspective on the adaptation of prison nursing to the pandemic, highlighting coping processes and suggesting future lines of research on the experiences of inmates, prison guards, and surveillance officers. We highlight the low media visibility of the pandemic in prisons, underlining the importance of understanding and valuing the nursing experience in prison settings during health crises.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of MASLD and Liver Fibrosis amongst the Penitentiary Population in Catalonia: The PRISONAFLD Study

Background and Aims: The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS), has increased among the prison population. Nevertheless, we have limited data on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the hepatic manifestation of this syndrome. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of MASLD and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis in the penitentiary population in Catalonia, Spain. Method: A cross-sectional observational study involving eight penitentiary centers. Participants had at least one metabolic disorder and were at a closed-regimen penitentiary. Individuals with concomitant liver diseases and/or alcohol risk consumption were excluded. Significant fibrosis and MASLD were defined as liver stiffness ≥8 kPa and a controlled attenuation parameter ≥275 dB/m by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), respectively. After exclusions, metabolic inmates with VCTE were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of MASLD and MASLD-associated significant fibrosis. Results: Out of the 4338 inmates studied, 1290 (29.7%) had metabolic disorders, and 646 (14.9%) underwent VCTE. The mean age was 48.0 years (SD 12.1), and 89.5% were male. MASLD prevalence was 33.9%. Significant fibrosis and MASLD-associated significant fibrosis were found in 16.4% and 9.4% of inmates, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, T2D, waist circumference, MetS, and higher ALT values were identified as independent risk factors for MASLD and MASLD-associated significant fibrosis amongst the prison population. Conclusions: Metabolic disorders including MASLD are highly prevalent among inmates. The prevalence of significant fibrosis seems notably higher than that of the general population, underscoring the need for targeted screening programs and therapeutic interventions in the incarcerated population.

Introduction to informatics in a Peruvian penitentiary using cs unplugged: from university to penitentiary

Within the field of social reintegration and re-education, this paper presents an educational experience carried out at the Iquitos Penitentiary Center, Lima, Peru, with the aim of providing an introduction to informatics to 25 inmates who volunteered to take part in the project. Twenty students and a teacher from the Scientific University of the South also in Peru, were responsible for initiating the transmission of knowledge from the university to inmates, with the collaboration and participation of the penitentiary coordinator. The main objectives of the case study were to validate both the suitability of the CS unplugged proposal and the adaptability of the L2T2L pedagogic strategy to the transmission of knowledge to adults, specifically penitentiary inmates. This strategy had been originally designed to transmit informatics knowledge from university to primary school. The validity and effectiveness of the experience was assessed using surveys. Results confirm that inmates achieved a good level of understanding when endeavoring to resolve most of the CS unplugged assignments designed for them. It was also seen that L2T2L is adaptable and valid for different scenarios other than those for which it was initially designed. Indeed, it was proven to be valid for transmitting knowledge to the prison population. Finally, it should be pointed out that the experience is easily replicable and that it brings an opportunity to introduce informatics into education programs in prisons, something which can contribute enormously to social reintegration and re-education, facilitating the subsequent reentry of inmates into the community once their period of imprisonment has ended.

Suicide risk in male incarcerated individuals in Spain: clinical, criminological and prison-related correlates

BackgroundPrison suicide is a complex phenomenon that may be influenced by individual, clinical, social and environmental factors. In Spain, few studies have explored the relationship with institutional, prison-related variables. The aim of this study is to examine correlates of suicide in a sample of male incarcerated individuals from 5 Spanish penitentiary centers.MethodsThis present study entails a secondary data analysis, using data from the Prevalence of mental disorders in prisons study. This is a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted in 2007–2008 across 5 penitentiary centers in Spain. The Spanish version of the Plutchik suicide risk scale was used to assess the risk of suicide (those scoring ≥ 6 were considered to be at risk of suicide). Sociodemographic, clinical, criminological and prison-related data were collected via face-to face interviews and criminological data were confirmed using penitentiary records.ResultsThe final sample included 707 male incarcerated individuals (mean age 36.79 years ± 9.90 years). Several significant correlates associated with higher risk of suicide were identified including criminological factors (having committed a violent offense, being a recidivist), clinical factors (family history of mental disorders, the presence of mental disorders, having physical conditions, contact with a mental health specialist, medication treatment in the last 12 months), and prison-related determinants (workshop/training course participation) was significantly associated with lower suicide risk.ConclusionsSeveral correlates within a comprehensive range of sociodemographic, criminological, clinical and prison-related variables were identified. This information is primordial for preventing suicide and reducing the existing risk. The findings may contribute to developing effective suicide prevention programs within Spanish prison services. Importantly, future research must continue to investigate the nature of suicidal outcomes among incarcerated individuals.

Oral health status of women deprived of their liberty in the Buen Pastor Penitentiary Center in Asunción Paraguay - 2021

Las personas privadas de libertad son susceptibles a la formación de caries e infecciones periodontales debido a la reclusión. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el estado de salud bucal de mujeres privadas de libertad del Centro Penitenciario, Casa del Buen Pastor, Asunción, Paraguay en noviembre del 2021. El estudio fue descriptivo, cuantitativo de corte transverso. Fue realizado por alumnos de Odontología de la Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas de la Universidad del Norte. Incluyó a mujeres privadas de su libertad en el Centro penitenciario Casa del Buen Pastor de Asunción-Paraguay, mayores de 18 años, con consentimiento informado y residencia mayor de 6 meses en el centro de reclusión. Las variables sociodemográficas fueron registradas en una ficha clínica dental redactada según los objetivos trazados en el trabajo de investigación mediante encuestas. Se realizaron sesiones educativas de promoción y prevención de la salud bucal. De las 193 mujeres privadas de libertad encuestadas e inspeccionadas, 33 (17%) superaban los 50 años, las demás eran jóvenes entre 18 y 40 años. Provenían de Gran Asunción 102 (53%); tenían educación secundaria 59 (31%) y 6 (3%) educación terciaria. La mayoría de las inspeccionadas, presentaron dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (CPO); 123 (64%) presentaron un índice CPO alto, 54 (28%) regular y 15 (8%) bajo. Se observaron alteraciones en tejidos periodontales, como agrandamiento gingival, recesiones, manchas en la mucosa, úlceras y fístulas.

Elimination of hepatitis C virus in a prison: An 18-year experience

IntroductionDespite the decrease of hepatitis C in Spanish prisons in the last years, it still remains a reservoir for infection. The aim of this work is to analyze the characteristics of these patients and the response to antiviral treatment over the last 18 years. MethodsRetrospective observational study in inmates of Araba penitentiary center diagnosed with HCV infection between 2002 and 2020.A descriptive analysis of patient characteristics and the response to the three antiviral treatment modalities was performed: peg-interferon and ribavirin, peg-interferon, ribavirin and a first-generation protease inhibitor and different combinations of direct-acting antivirals. ResultsA total of 248 antiviral treatments were prescribed. Treatment response rate up to 2015 was 65% and 93,7% after that year. Interferon non-responders were the main cause of non-response to treatment in periods 1 and 2 (40%–50%). Conversely, in period 3 viral breakthrough (67%) was the main culprit. ConclusionAfter 18 years, active hepatitis C infection in prison inmates has resolved with treatment according to clinical criteria. Therefore, the stay in prison may represent an opportunity to reduce the reservoir of the disease in the community, together with continued health care for those released from prison.

Eliminación del virus de la hepatitis C en un centro penitenciario: una experiencia de 18 años

IntroductionDespite the decrease of hepatitis C in Spanish prisons in the last years, it still remains a reservoir for infection. The aim of this work is to analyze the characteristics of these patients and the response to antiviral treatment over the last 18 years. MethodsRetrospective observational study in inmates of Araba penitentiary center diagnosed with HCV infection between 2002 and 2020.A descriptive analysis of patient characteristics and the response to the 3 antiviral treatment modalities was performed: peg-interferon and ribavirin, peg-interferon, ribavirin and a first-generation protease inhibitor and different combinations of direct-acting antivirals. ResultsA total of 248 antiviral treatments were prescribed. Treatment response rate up to 2015 was 65% and 93,7% after that year. Interferon non-responders were the main cause of non-response to treatment in periods 1 and 2 (40-50%). Conversely, in period 3 viral breakthrough (67%) was the main culprit. ConclusionAfter 18 years, active hepatitis C infection in prison inmates has resolved with treatment according to clinical criteria. Therefore, the stay in prison may represent an opportunity to reduce the reservoir of the disease in the community, together with continued health care for those released from prison.

Usefulness of teledermatology in prisons. The experience in the Penitentiary Center Castellón II.

Teledermatology is the application of new technologies for the care of skin diseases. Its application in prisons allows the diagnosis and treatment of prisoners without the need to transfer them to the hospital, avoiding the problems associated with travel. The objective of this work is to analyze the usefulness of teledermatology in prisons, through a retrospective observational study in the Castellón II-Albocàsser penitentiary. The study sample consisted of 37 patients and 43 interconsultations. All the consultations corresponded to men, with a mean age of 42.43 years. 95.3% of the consultations were asynchronous and in 86% of them a diagnosis and a complete treatment plan were established. Only 18.6% of the consultations required a face-to-face consultation. It is concluded that teledermatology in prisons is effective in the care and resolution of dermatological problems.

Effectiveness of a program for the development of socio-emotional competences in people admitted to a penitentiary center.

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of a program for the development of social and emotional competences and self-esteem among a group of inmates at a penitentiary center, as well as to determine the possible correlation between the variables of the program (social skills, emotional competences, and self-esteem). The objective was to equip inmates with social competences in emotional regulation strategies that would be useful to them in the penitentiary center and, at the same time, facilitate their future social inclusion. In order to measure the pre- and post- treatment variables, the Social Skills Scale, the Perceived Emotional Intelligence Scale (TMMS-24), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were administered to a group of 51 inmates in a penitentiary center. The experimental group consisted of 29 inmates, with 21 forming the control group. The pretest-posttest ANOVAs showed that the program led to a significant (p < 0.01) increase in: (1) positive social behaviors; (2) emotional competences; (3) self-esteem. Positive correlations were also observed between the three variables. The results suggest the importance of implementing programs for the promotion of the socio-emotional development of people incarcerated in penitentiary centers.

The prison space: a critical approach to inhabiting the prison in overcrowding

This work is the result of the project “A pedagogy for reunion” of IDELA. It proposes a theoretical approach for the definition of an overcrowded prison, using as a methodological strategy the testimony and poems of people deprived and formerly deprived of liberty in Costa Rica. Who, from their narratives, describe the experience of inhabiting a penitentiary center from the perspective of everyday life.

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the legally deprived population of liberty in Cali (Colombia)

Abstract With the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge of reducing the transmission of the disease has led to new challenges in decision-making. The vulnerability of persons deprived of liberty led to the design of contagion mitigation alternatives. Since February 2020, at the Villahermosa Penitentiary and Prison Center in Cali, the Secretaría de Salud Pública (SSP) began a series of actions that intensified on March 11, when the WHO declared COVID -19 as a pandemic. The SSP, in an articulated work; configured a series of strategies aimed at mitigating the impact and speed of contagion, infectious disease doctors and internists were also summoned who provided recommendations and contributed to decision-making. An intervention model was designed, which was guided by two main processes: promotion and prevention actions and service provision actions. The articulated work and the high commitment of the actors involved, the development of strategies for biosecurity, hygiene, isolation, rapid detection, and, above all, immediate control of symptoms and medical care on-site with adjustments that allowed managing patients inside the institution; It has meant that to date mortality is below 1% and that for the time being the situation is under control. Key messages • The humanization of health service provision is essential to achieve effective results. • The rapid and articulated responses made it possible to maintain a mortality of less than 1% in this population.