Female Prisoners Research Articles

Factors associated with sexually transmitted diseases amongst female prison inmates in Peru.

The number of women in prison is rapidly increasing every year and it is important to establish what factors are related to the probability of presenting STDs in this population to enable health control policies to be established. An analysis was carried out on the open database of the national prison population survey conducted in 2016 in all Peruvian prisons. The study was based on the census and all female and male adults in prison were surveyed using a validated questionnaire. The sample consisted of 4,574 inmates in 67 institutions, covering 98.8% of the inmate population. It was found that presenting tuberculosis (PR: 2.64; CI 95%, 1.32-5.26), HIV/AIDS (PR 6.54, CI 95% 1.52-28.18), hepatitis (PR: 4.01; CI 95%, 1.23-13.11) and drug use (PR: 2.44; CI 95%, 1.32-4.52), are statistically related (P ≤0.05) are factors associated with the presence of STDs in the multivariate model with a P ≤0.05. The inclusion of associated factors (tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and drug use) should be part of the strategy to control and treat STD in women's prisons in Peru.

Psychological distress of inmates at a women's prison in Lima after the first wave of COVID-19 in November 2020.

A descriptive study was carried out to establish the levels of psychological distress amongst female inmates at a high-security prison in Lima in November 2020, after the first wave of COVID-19. The Brief Symptoms Inventory-18 (BSI-18) was applied to a representative sample of 314 female inmates who agreed to participate in the study. Results showed that 34.6% of the inmates could be considered as cases of psychological distress. Moreover, the depression subscale had the highest score, followed by the anxiety and the somatisation subscales. The most prevalent symptom was "feeling blue". The prevalence of distress symptoms was analyzed, taking into account the effects of the first wave of COVID-19, the suspension of family visits, the restriction of treatment and leisure activities, etc. Gender aspects were also taken into consideration.

Behaviors and practices of incarcerated women towards menstrual hygiene in a large urban prison in Uganda: a phenomenological qualitative study

BackgroundDeplorable and unconducive conditions in prisons present serious challenges to menstrual hygiene management. However, little is known about menstrual hygiene among incarcerated women in Uganda. Our study explored the behaviors and practices of incarcerated women regarding menstrual hygiene management in a large government prison in Uganda. In addition, we explored the barriers to menstrual hygiene management in this population.MethodsIn this phenomenological qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with incarcerated women aged 20–49 years and key informant interviews with female prison officers (wardresses) at Luzira Prison in Kampala, Uganda. The data were analyzed using content analysis and the findings were presented using themes/sub-themes along with participant quotes.ResultsWe interviewed 15 incarcerated women aged 20–49 years (mean age, 29.5 ± 8.7 years) and five key informants aged 30–50 years (mean, 42.6 ± 4.9) about menstrual hygiene behaviors and practices, including barriers to menstrual hygiene. Five sub-themes emerged concerning behaviors and practices of menstrual hygiene among incarcerated women. Findings reveal the behaviors and practices of menstrual hygiene management were characterized by infrequent change of menstrual pads, lack of privacy during menstrual hygiene practices, use of poor-quality menstrual hygiene materials, and improper disposal of used sanitary products. However, bathing with soap and water during menstruation was frequent and non-restricted. Three sub-themes emerged as barriers to menstrual hygiene practices, largely at the institutional level, and they included unhygienic sanitary facilities, unreliable access to clean water, and insufficient sanitary products.ConclusionsBehaviors and practices of incarcerated women fall short of desired standards and they face several barriers to practicing menstrual hygiene. The prison authorities should provide sufficient sanitary products like pads, and knickers including soap, construct more sanitary facilities, educate about the safe disposal of used sanitary products, and provide sufficient clean water to promote good menstrual hygiene management among incarcerated women.

Lesbian convict in women’s prison: a description of rational choice

Same sex behavior does not only occur in society, this behavior also occurs in prisons, include all women's prisons in Indonesia. Conditions in prison for a long time made them interact very often and it was exacerbated by the number of inmates exceeding the occupancy capacity. Previous research, mentioning this theme is still very rarely raised considering that lesbian behavior is considered a taboo behavior to be discussed. Focus this research how the process and dynamics of lesbians in Women's prison. With qualitative methods, and Rational Choice Theory. Data collection techniques through triangulation namely interviews with 8 informants, field observations, and literature studies. This research was conducted in two women's prisons with overcapacity conditions. The results of the study show that the process in prisons is influenced by culture in prisons which greatly influences the occurrence of lesbian behavior. For convicts who before they entered prison were heterosexual and being homosexual in prison was rational choice. There are 2 large groupings of lesbi convicts in prison with their respective processes and dynamics as well as several factors that push them to become lesbi based on profit and loss or rational considerations.

Pregnant Prisoners in Shackles

Pregnant Prisoners in Shackles

A Scoping Review of Hope on Female Prisoners

Prisoners are pressured from inside or outside the correctional facility, triggering psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Meanwhile, hope is a positive psychology that helps inmates overcome psychological problems in correctional facilities. This study further aims to determine female prisoners’ hope in correctional facilities. The scoping review approach was used, starting with the article search through, EBSCO (CINAHL and Academic Search), ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords such as female, hope, prisoners, and prison. The articles were sorted based on inclusion criteria, involving the availability of full texts, 2010-2021 publications, primary research results, population and research samples involving female prisoners, qualitative study, and the hope of female prisoners in prison. The results showed that female prisoners have hopes for life during their sentence and after being released from prison. As a conclusion, all the articles provided an overview of the hopes to be achieved ranging from career, family, education, desire to be free from crime, and the desire for revenge. Several articles demonstrated that the source of hope comes from social support while in prison, as well as religious, and self-development activities. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 03 July’23 Page : 482-488

Pemberdayaan Warga Binaan dalam Upaya Pencegahan TB Paru di Lapas Perempuan Kelas II A Pontianak

Pulmonary Tuberculosis is a direct infectious disease caused by the tuberculosis germ (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) which is transmitted through the air (droplet nuclei) when a patient coughs and splashes of saliva containing the bacteria are inhaled by another person while breathing. The risk factors for the incidence of pulmonary TB are, occupancy density, lack of ventilation, poor lighting, access to inadequate facilities. The problems that exist in partners are the lack of counseling activities, especially related to health education on the prevention of pulmonary TB, the condition of densely populated prisons, inadequate ventilation and inadequate lighting are risk factors for the development of pulmonary TB. The first step is to collect pre-test data before being given health information on TB prevention. Furthermore, health education was given about prevention of pulmonary TB to the inmates. At the evaluation stage, post-test data were collected. Based on the results of community service activities with the target of assisted residents in the Pontianak class II women's correctional prison, it went well. Participants can participate in activities from start to finish with enthusiasm. After participating in this activity, it was found that there was an increase in knowledge in efforts to prevent pulmonary TB in prisons. It is hoped that the prison can increase health education activities, especially pulmonary TB, this is necessary to prevent transmission of pulmonary TB in prisons.

The information needs and practices of Australian adult prisoners

This paper describes the findings of a research project conducted in six adult prisons in New South Wales, Australia that sought to study the information needs and information seeking practices of adult Australian prisoners. Through data gathered from 106 prisoner surveys, the paper identifies the information needs of Australian adult prisoners across six information domains: legal, education, spirituality, health, prison life, and re-integration. For each information domain, participants were asked to identify their preferred source or sources of information from eight possible information sources: prison libraries, tablet devices, staff, family/friends, health services, television/radio, books etc. not from the prison library, or other. The number and nature of unmet information needs are also explored and described. The data gathered enables a study of the different information needs and behaviours of female and male prisoners, and prisoners from across various security levels. The paper finds a significant level of unmet information need in the lives of Australian adult prisoners across all information domains studied. Prisoners are heavily reliant on sources of information that are likely to be non-expert such as custodial staff, other inmates, and family and friends to attempt to meet their information needs about significant critical issues such as their ongoing legal matters and their health. The information needs are similar for female and male prisoners, however their information seeking practices differ, with male prisoners being more likely to have support from family and friends as information sources than female prisoners. Prisoners living in minimum security prisons are least likely to identify a need for spirituality-related information compared with prisoners living in other security classifications and are most likely to seek information regarding their reintegration back into their communities as they plan for their release.

Peran Layanan Bimbingan Individu Dalam Mengurangi Tekanan Mental Narapidana Perempuan Di Lembaga Pemasyarakatan

Mental health is physically and psychologically healthy, this greatly affects the health of the individual. The purpose of this study is to describe individual guidance in reducing the mental stress of convicts when carrying out their sentences for mistakes that have been committed in prisons. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method of collecting data through observation and in-depth and structured interviews. Qualitative research is carried out by analyzing phenomena, explaining true events. The results of this study explain that many inmates experience mental pressure, anxiety, anxiety when they have just served their sentence. With the individual guidance carried out by officers can reduce these problems. The form of business is carried out through various activities, approaches. The success of this individual guidance service is very good and increasing every month, through the existing approaches and activities which are very supportive in reducing the mental pressure of female prisoners in prisons.

Psychiatric morbidity among women in Norwegian prisons, 2010–2019: a register-based study

PurposeResearch suggests that women in prison have more mental health problems than men and are prone to suffer from more severe psychiatric disorders. This study utilizes national registry data to describe demographic and psychiatric gender differences in Norwegian prisons, and to investigate comorbid psychiatric disorders and time trends in psychiatric morbidity among women.MethodsLongitudinal data from the Norwegian Prison Release Study linked with the Norwegian Patient Registry and data from Statistics Norway provided information on health care utilization, socioeconomic status, and history of psychiatric disorders among all individuals (nwomen = 5,429; nmen = 45,432) who were incarcerated in a Norwegian prison between 2010 and 2019.ResultsWomen were more likely than men to have a history of any psychiatric disorder (75% vs. 59%). Substance use disorders and dual disorders were highly prevalent in both genders, yet highest among women (56 and 38% respectively, versus 43 and 24% among men). From 2010 to 2019, we found a considerable increase in the 12-month prevalence of most diagnostic categories among women entering prison.ConclusionPsychiatric and dual disorders are highly prevalent in Norwegian prisons, and especially among women. The proportion of women entering prison with a recent history of mental health problems has increased rapidly over the last decade. Women’s prison institutions need to adjust health and social services, and awareness about substance use and other psychiatric disorders in order to meet the increasing proportion of women facing these challenges.

Experiences of criminal justice: Perspectives from Wales on a system in crisis By D.Newman, R.Dehaghani, Bristol: Bristol University Press. 2023. pp. 270. £80.00 (hbk); £26.99 (pbk); £26.99 (ebk). ISBN: 9781529214222; 9781529214239; 978152914246

Experiences of criminal justice: Perspectives from Wales on a system in crisis By D.Newman, R.Dehaghani, Bristol: Bristol University Press. 2023. pp. 270. £80.00 (hbk); £26.99 (pbk); £26.99 (ebk). ISBN: 9781529214222; 9781529214239; 978152914246

Neonatal Outcomes after Medications for Opioid Use Disorder during Pregnancy in a State Women's Prison Facility, 2016-2019.

Although medications for opioid use disorder improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes, little is known about opioid-exposed infants born during episodes of incarceration. The study sought to examine birth outcomes for infants born with opioid exposure during perinatal incarceration. Participants were identified from clinic rosters in a Southeastern women's prison (2016-2019). Included infants born to pregnant people with opioid use disorder incarcerated in the study facility at the time of delivery. We abstracted hospital length of stay, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) severity, and discharge plan from hospital records and report descriptive statistics, analysis of variance F tests, and chi-square tests to compare outcomes by opioid exposure type. There were 125 infants born after exposure to methadone (n = 34), buprenorphine (n = 15), oxycodone (n = 22), or no opioid medication (n = 54) during prenatal incarceration. Most infants exposed to methadone or buprenorphine had difficulty with eating, sleeping, or consoling (97% and 80%), and 59% and 47% were treated with medication for NOWS, respectively. The majority with prenatal opioid exposure required intervention for NOWS symptoms after their birthing parent was discharged to the prison. The average hospital length of stay was different for infants with no opioid, methadone, buprenorphine, and oxycodone exposure during incarceration (4, 15, 12, and 9 days, respectively, P < 0.001). Neonatal hospitalization experiences of infants with perinatal opioid exposures during maternal incarceration mirror those of similarly exposed infants born outside the context of incarceration, except for hospital length of stay. Consideration of avoiding separation of the parent-infant dyad may be needed to improve outcomes for these infants.

THU-176 - Achieving hepatitis C micro-eliminating in 4 female prisons through a nurse led test and treat approach of pathway optimisation and whole prison testing

THU-176 - Achieving hepatitis C micro-eliminating in 4 female prisons through a nurse led test and treat approach of pathway optimisation and whole prison testing

Information behaviour of prison inmates in Ghana

Information provision and services in prisons have been demonstrated to be a critical component of successful rehabilitation and reintegration. The study therefore examined the information behaviour of inmates in Ghana prisons with the aim of understanding their information needs, sources and challenges towards improving the information provision and services available in Ghana prisons. In all, qualitative data were collected from 27 participants comprising 19 inmates and eight Correctional Officers from four prisons in Ghana: Ankaful Maximum Security, Nsawam Medium Security, Kumasi Central and Nsawam Female prisons. The study found that inmates had information needs related to welfare, legal, support among others and it was evident that a number of their information needs were not met. The study further revealed poor library systems in Ghana prisons and inmates’ inability to access modern ICT tools as some of the challenges in accessing information in Ghana prisons. The study recommends the need for stakeholders and policy makers to invest in information provisions and services in Ghana prisons.

A rapid evidence review of clinical risk factors for poor perinatal mental health in women’s prisons in England

ABSTRACT Pregnancy and the first year after childbirth are a high-risk period of a woman’s life, and research shows that women in prison are at heightened risk for poor mental health, self-harm, and suicide. Whilst there has been a recent focus on studies into the health care for women in prison, research looking into the specific risk factors for poor perinatal mental health in women’s prisons is sparse, with the majority having been conducted within a US context that will have different provisions available and population need. This rapid evidence review explored academic literature published to identify clinical risk factors of poor perinatal mental health for women in prison in England. Following the initial search, 21 documents were identified which were then thematically analysed, resulting in the identification of 72 clinical risk factors. Meta-themes identified included ‘individual’, ‘relationships’, ‘prison context’, ‘provision’, and ‘processes’. The recognition and mitigation of identified clinical risk factors is critical to ensuring quality care for women in prison and reduction of poor perinatal mental health.

Birth supporters experiences of attending prisoners being compulsorily separated from their new-born babies

ABSTRACT There is growing evidence demonstrating increased mental ill-health in women compulsorily separated from their babies. For imprisoned women, the risk of self-harm and suicide may be further exacerbated. Birth supporters caring voluntarily for women in prison having their babies removed is valued and beneficial for wellbeing. Little is known about the effects on those supporting women in these circumstances. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences of birth supporters when caring for imprisoned women experiencing compulsory separation from their babies. A qualitative approach explored the experiences of 12 birth supporters through: one to one in-depth online interviews. A thematic analytical method was utilised to analyse the data. Four key themes resulted from thematic analysis: vicarious trauma, transference of pain, standout cases and support networks. Birth supporters witnessing traumatic events such as the separation of imprisoned mother from her new-born baby may need additional supervision and therapeutic support. Birth supporters may experience Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and appropriate support and debriefing should be afforded to them equal to paid health and social care staff. The main argument of this paper is that strong support networks can serve as a benchmark for helping individuals affected by vicarious trauma, particularly in complex situations involving women who are being compulsorily separated from their babies. Due to the value clearly placed upon those who do volunteer by women, this kind of support should be consistent across criminal justice settings especially considering the impact on women’s mental health and wellbeing.

The mental wellbeing of female prisoners in Chile

ObjectiveTo measure and understand mental wellbeing among women prisoners in Chile, as part of a larger study.ResultSixty-eight sentenced prisoners in a women’s prison participated in a survey, giving a response rate of 56.7%. Using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), the mean wellbeing score of participants was 53.77 out of maximum score of 70. Whilst 90% of the 68 women felt useful at least some of the time, 25% rarely felt relaxed, close to others or able to make up their own minds about things. Data generated from two focus groups attended by six women offered explanations for survey findings. Thematic analysis identified stress and loss of autonomy due to the prison regime as factors which negatively affect mental wellbeing. Interestingly, whilst offering prisoners an opportunity to feel useful, work was identified as a source of stress. Interpersonal factors linked to a lack of safe friendships within the prison and little contact with family had an adverse impact on mental wellbeing. The routine measurement of mental wellbeing among prisoners using the WEMWBS is recommended in Chile and other Latin American countries to identify the impact of policies, regimes, healthcare systems and programmes on mental health and wellbeing.

Sexual and reproductive history of female prisoners in Iran: a health care needs analysis

PurposeAccording to estimates, there are approximately 714,000 female prisoners in the world. A considerable proportion are pregnant, of childbearing age at the time of incarceration and may experience numerous reproductive health concerns. The purpose of this study is to examine the demographics and sexual and reproductive history of female prisoners in Iran.Design/methodology/approachFour hundred and thirty-four female prisoners (mean age: 39.0 ± 9.9) serving sentences at Qarchak prison, Iran, completed a questionnaire. The participants were recruited between October 2017 and September 2018 using a convenient sampling method. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics and sexual and reproductive history.FindingsMost respondents had 7–12 years of formal education, were housewives (69.9%), were either married (41.6%) or divorced (41.8%) and were literate (91.3%). History of drug use among the respondents was 34.7%. Most respondents had regular menstruation (63.5%) and were pre-menopausal (86.1%). Natural birth control was preferred (39.7%) compared to other methods, such as condoms (18%) and oral contraceptive pills (8.4%). Spontaneous and induced abortions were reported by 17.8% and 16.4% of respondents, respectively. There was 5.9% of respondents that reported having a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before incarceration, with HPV the most common (12.7%).Research limitations/implicationsThis study has limitations, including the problem of following up with prisoners to shorten the average length of their imprisonment, which can leave many issues in the field of women’s health and their follow-up incomplete. Prison health care workers should also follow up on women’s health and pregnancy hygiene after their release because there is usually a high prevalence of STIs in prisoners.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the importance of improving the quality of women’s health care and pregnancy-related care in prisons. Additionally, the importance of having a health protocol for incarcerated women in Iran. Other programs should also be implemented for women prisoners to eliminate the discrimination they may face in prison.Originality/valueThe international community has attempted to develop care guidelines for pregnant prisoners, particularly for prenatal and mental health services. However, currently in Iran no such guidelines have been developed. To date no research has explored the sexual health among female prisoners of this country. The aim of the present study was to examine the demographics and sexual and reproductive history of female prisoners in Iran. A secondary aim was to identify the health care needs of female prisoners in Iran.

The incidence and profile of self-harm among prisoners: findings from the Self-Harm Assessment and Data Analysis Project 2017–2019

PurposeInternationally, rates of suicide and lifetime self-harm are higher in prisoners compared to the general population. This study aims to identify specific characteristics of self-harming behaviour and to establish a profile of prisoners who engage in self-harm.Design/methodology/approachData from the Self-Harm Assessment and Data Analysis Project (SADA) on self-harm episodes in prisons in the Republic of Ireland during 2017–2019 was used. Annual rates per 1,000 were calculated by age and gender.FindingsThe rate of self-harm between 2017 and 2019 was 31 per 1,000 prisoners for men and six times higher at 184 per 1,000 prisoners for women. The rate of self-harm was twice as high among prisoners on remand than sentenced prisoners (60.5 versus 31.3 per 1,000). The highest rates of self-harm among sentenced prisoners were observed among 18–29-year-old men (45 per 1,000) and women (125 per 1,000). The rate of self-harm was higher among women prisoners in all age groups. Contributory factors associated with self-harm were mainly related to mental health but also linked to a prisoner’s environment and relationships.Practical implicationsThere is a need to ensure access to timely and suitable mental health services, including both appropriate referral and provision of evidence-based mental health interventions to address the needs of these cohorts.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first national study to systematically examine incidence and patterns of self-harm among the prison population in Ireland. The recording of severity/intent of each episode is novel when assessing self-harm among the prison population.

Open Letters from Prison

Abstract This article describes the response of a group of California women prisoners and their allies on the outside to the conditions that radically altered and devastated the lives of people in prison during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Benjamin Weber, African American and African Studies faculty member at the University of California, Davis, reached out to the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP), with its over twenty-six years of relationships with incarcerated women in California prisons. CCWP members Pam Fadem and Rachel Leah Klein collaborated to intervene early in the pandemic to facilitate communication among people both on the inside and outside of prison.