Self-reported health and prior health behaviors of newly admitted correctional inmates.
OBJECTIVE
This study obtained comprehensive health information from newly admitted correctional inmates.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted with 1198 inmates on day 3 of their incarceration.


RESULTS
Interviewers found a high prevalence of chronic medical and mental health issues, limited access to health care, high rates of infections and sexually transmitted diseases, substantial substance abuse, other unhealthy behaviors and violence, and a strong desire for help with health-related problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The data document the need to apply the public health approach to correctional health care, including detection and early treatment of disease, education and prevention to facilitate health and behavior change, and continuity of care into the community.
Conklin
T J
TJ
Hampden County Correctional Center, Ludlow, Mass. 01056, USA. tom.conklin@sdh.state.ma.us
Lincoln
T
T
Tuthill
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D009017:Morbidity; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires