Journal of Correctional Health Care current issue

Editor's Letter

Miles, J. R. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

Health Inequalities in Correctional Institutions: Implications for Health Inequalities in the Community

Agozino, B., Volpe, S. L. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

In this feasibility study, we conducted a meta-analysis of health inequalities, especially around issues of nutrition and exercise, in correctional institutions compared to the community. The project explored the extent to which the inequalities found in the health of people in the community are mirrored by inequalities found in prison. Existing data were examined to assess what light they might shed on existing health inequalities, with emphasis on lifestyle issues that contribute to obesity. The project raised questions about the sources of health inequalities and how they could be reduced. Specifically, the study compared the diet and exercise lifestyles of prisoners versus the community to examine whether they correlate with the frequency of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the two populations.

MRSA Prevention and Control in County Correctional Facilities in Southwestern Ohio

Webb, J. A., Czachor, J. S. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

The number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in correctional facilities around the country has been increasing. Considering the potential health impact of MRSA, it is important that correctional facilities have prevention and control protocols in place. The study results summarize the prevention and control preparedness activities of county jails in the Greater Dayton area of Ohio. Protocols and control measures were in place for environmental control (95.4%), MRSA screening (88.4%), standard precautions (84.3%), treatment (83.6%), personal hygiene (80.6%), and education (80.4%). Statistical analysis found no significant difference between rural and urban county jails in their handling of MRSA issues. The findings suggest significant compliance with MRSA prevention and control protocols among county jails in the Greater Dayton area.

Health Care Policies Addressing Transgender Inmates in Prison Systems in the United States

Brown, G. R., McDuffie, E. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

Inmates with gender identity disorders (GID) pose special challenges to policy makers in U.S. prison systems. Transgender persons are likely overrepresented in prisons; a reasonable estimate is that at least 750 transgender prisoners were in custody in 2007. Using the Freedom of Information Act, requests were mailed to each state, the District of Columbia, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 2007. The requests were for copies of policies, directives, memos, or other documents concerning placement and health care access of transgender inmates. By April 2008, 46 responses were received; 6 states did not reply. Information was qualitatively analyzed and summarized. There was substantial disparity in transgender health care for inmates with GID or related conditions. Most systems allowed for diagnostic evaluations. There was wide variability in access to cross-sex hormones, with some allowing for continuation of treatment and others allowing for both continuation and de novo initiation of treatment. There was uniformity in denial of surgical treatments for GID.

Creation of a Metabolic Monitoring Program for Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics

Reeves, R., Kaldany, H., Lieberman, J., Vyas, R. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

Second-generation or ‘‘atypical’’ antipsychotics can cause metabolic derangements that lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. To potentially minimize these adverse effects, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey — University Correctional HealthCare (UCHC) and the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJ DOC) created a metabolic monitoring program that was incorporated into the electronic medical record. This program is used statewide by UCHC psychiatrists working within the NJ DOC.

Developing the Mental Health Awareness of Prison Staff in England and Wales

Walsh, E., Freshwater, D. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

In 2010, the prison population in England and Wales could reach a high of 91,500, according to a recent population projection. HM Prison Service (U.K.) reports that in 2004 to 2005, there were 33,144 prison officers employed to care for the prisoners in the prison system. This article focuses on the mental health of this prisoner population and the training needs of staff caring for them. It reports the experience of a national project, funded by the Department of Health, in which the project team developed and piloted mental health awareness training for prison officers on the residential units and for staff who work with prisoners and lack a mental health background. Key findings from the posttraining evaluation are highlighted. Participant feedback demonstrates the value placed on this type of training by those working in the prison setting.

Detection of Staphylococcus aureus Including MRSA on Environmental Surfaces in a Jail Setting

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

We examined jail environmental surfaces to explore whether they might serve as reservoirs of viable methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We swabbed 132 surfaces, inoculated primary and secondary mannitol salts and oxacillin-resistant screening agar, and used API tests to identify S. aureus and E-tests to determine methicillin/oxacillin resistance. We recovered S. aureus from 10 (7.6%) surfaces; eight (6.1%) isolates were MRSA. We ran pulsed-field gel electrophoresis on six resistant isolates and observed three patterns, one of which was identical to that identified in a previous study of inmates’ nasal specimens. Finding MRSA-contaminated surfaces on a variety of environmental surfaces in the absence of an overt outbreak emphasizes that correctional facilities should have protocols for environmental cleaning as a component of MRSA prevention.

Consequences of High Incarceration Rate and High Obesity Prevalence on the Prison System

Leddy, M. A., Schulkin, J., Power, M. L. — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

Incarceration and obesity rates have both increased in the United States. An implication is that there will be more obese inmates, which likely will raise the prevalence of obesity-related diseases, affecting the cost and performance of correctional health care. Other issues include increased costs of transport, restraint, and housing. There is surprisingly little published information on inmate obesity prevalence. The few published research studies suggest obesity prevalence in prisons reflects that of their region. Cardiovascular-related prisoner deaths appear to be associated with state-level obesity, though other risk factors are likely involved. Weight gain while incarcerated is common, and the prevalence of diabetes is increasing. The data suggest that preventive care is not a priority in prisons. Evidence from Japan suggests restricted diets and enforced activity can improve inmate health.

Journal of Correctional Health Care: Self-Study Program

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

Information for Authors

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT

Call for Reviewers

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:12:08 PDT