title: An exploration of women offenders' health literacy.
abstract: In the past decade the sentencing of women in Canada to correctional detention has increased. Compared to the general population, women in conflict with the law tend to have higher rates of mortality and morbidity. This exploratory research investigated health promotion and health-literacy issues for women offenders. Semistructured interviews of 12 women serving probation orders were analyzed. Data analysis highlighted three overarching themes: (a) health information access, (b) networks of support, and (c) tailoring the health system. These findings have relevancy for health promotion practice with women offenders, and implications for correctional services community reintegration programs and community health sectors.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Lorie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Donelle
authors.forename: Jodi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Women offenders; health care utilization; health literacy; health promotion; heath care access; offender health