title: In their own words: older male prisoners' health beliefs and concerns for the future.
abstract: U.S. prisons are experiencing an exponential growth in inmates aged 50 years and older, a group with disproportionately high disease burden. The purpose of this study was to examine, in largely exploratory terms, the health beliefs and concerns of older male inmates and the health challenges they anticipate facing upon their return to the community. Results indicate that there is much to be gained from the assessments and insights of older prisoners with regard to health changes that occur during incarceration, health programs that they desire, the reasons for their confidence (or lack thereof) in health self-management, and fears about their health upon release. Geriatric nurses are well positioned to heed these important insights of inmates and translate them into steps for 1) preventing many of the health deteriorations experienced by older prisoners and 2) advocating for more seamless health care when incarcerated offenders transition back into the community.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Department of Medicine, Faculty Affiliate Gerontology Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Loeb
authors.forename: Darrell
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Steffensmeier
authors.forename: Priscilla M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Myco
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005239:Fear; D005544:Forecasting; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011329:Prisoners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D035862:Vulnerable Populations