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Health in Prison
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Health in Prison

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Forensic Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 57643

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Giulio Di Mizio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Prison Medical Health Center, Intensive Assistance Service (SAI), Catanzaro Health Authority, "U. Caridi" Correctional Center (Italian Ministry of Justice), Via Tre Fontale 28, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
Interests: health in prison; criminology; criminological path in mental capacity; psycopatology, competency to stand tryal; legal medicine; forensic pathology; medical liability; sudden cardiac death; markers in head trauma； immigration medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Nunnari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
Interests: HIV; immunology; antimicrobial stewardship; infectious diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health protection in prison is still an open chapter, a continuing challenge in public health requiring scientific support in political and sociological debates throughout the world.

Health promotion in prison aims to ensure and improve health and wellbeing for those who, although in places of detention, preserve inherent dignity and retain their fundamental right to enjoy good health, both physical and mental, and their entitlement to a standard of healthcare which is at least the equivalent of that provided in the community.

Countries vary considerably in their criminal justice systems, and in prison services and resources; however, international organisations recommend that governments should ensure prisoners’ health protection, whether in temporary custody or final convicts.

The WHO strongly recommends that prison and public healthcare be closely linked, due to the high prevalence of people with severe conditions in prison populations, who, when released, will return into the community carrying untreated conditions with them; prison healthcare can also play an important role in reducing health inequalities.

However, everyone who works in prison is aware that it is not easy to provide a good healthcare service within prisons, an environment with unique difficulties to manage, both for prisoners and healthcare staff.

Scientific issues to improve prisoners’ medical care include epidemiological investigation, clinical management, nutrition, inmate mortality, prison life, relations with the judiciary system, and clinical risk management.

To gain full health protection, features related to physical suffering from aggression, injury from unjust compulsivity or unjust detention, and death in prison are relevant too.

The need to continually improve prisoners’ mental and physical health should undoubtedly be a priority for all governments.

Given the importance of the topic, the journal Healthcare is launching a Special Issue entitled “Health in Prison”, intending to gather accurate and up-to-date scientific information on all aspects of this complex topic, collecting original investigations, case series and case reports, and reviews in all branches of medicine, clinical and forensic toxicology, pharmacology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, forensic medicine, forensic pathology, and criminology.

This Special Issue aims mainly to provide an overview of the research paths on health in prisons, including parietal issues regarding prisoners’ health verification when requested by the judiciary, in relation to each individual country's specific rules.

Similar submissions dealing with clinical and forensic aspects of other sciences and the social sciences are also welcome, as are submissions dealing with scientifically sound emerging science disciplines.

Prof. Dr. Giulio Di Mizio
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Nunnari
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Prison health systems across the world
  • Risk factors for ill health
  • Prison environment
  • Prison healthcare systems and governance
  • Inmate and mental illness
  • Inmates and infectious diseases
  • Drugs and/in prison
  • The disabled prisoner
  • Prison workers and their protection
  • Penitentiary medicine
  • COVID-19 and prison
  • Feeding in prison
  • Medical responsibility in penitentiary medicine
  • Clinical risk management in penitentiary medicine
  • Compatibility of the prisoner's health conditions with imprisonment
  • Suicidal risk assessment in prison
  • CSI in jail
  • Inmate autopsy
  • Innovative methods of expert investigation in prison and on prisoners
  • Torture in prison: medico legal investigation

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 563 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Sports Practice, Physical and Mental Health and Anxiety–Depressive Symptomatology in the Spanish Prison Population
by María Penado Abilleira, María-Paula Ríos-de-Deus, David Tomé-Lourido, María-Luisa Rodicio-García, María-José Mosquera-González, Daniel López-López and Juan Gómez-Salgado
Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060789 - 7 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a group of Galician inmates, if there were variations in the levels of physical and mental health and anxiety–depressive symptomatology, depending on the sports’ practice performed. The relationship between these constructs was also investigated. [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a group of Galician inmates, if there were variations in the levels of physical and mental health and anxiety–depressive symptomatology, depending on the sports’ practice performed. The relationship between these constructs was also investigated. The sample was composed of 509 people deprived of liberty in prisons in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, Spain. A quantitative methodology was used, with the questionnaire as an information collection instrument, Student’s t-tests, Pearson’s correlation analysis and a stepwise regression analysis were carried out. The results indicated that those who performed physical activity during their stay in prison had higher levels of physical and mental health, as well as lower indicators of anxiety–depressive symptoms. People who did not practice sports showed a decrease in their perceived health levels when compared to those perceived in their pre-prison stage. A negative association was shown between perceived health levels and anxiety–depressive symptomatology. Perceived physical health, alone, explained 35% of the variance in perceived mental health. These results add to knowledge about the relationships between perceived health, anxiety–depressive symptoms and sports practice in the group of people deprived of liberty, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity in penitentiary institutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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7 pages, 207 KiB  
Article
“Degrees of Freedom”: Comparing Mental Distress of Populations with Different Levels of Access to Care-Prisoners, Psychiatric Patients and General Population
by Maayan Nagar
Healthcare 2022, 10(9), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091726 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1471
Abstract
Objectives: The study presents an analysis of the risk for common mental disorders (CMDs) in populations with different levels of access to mental health care. Methods: We merged and statistically compared the representative data of prisoners to data collected from psychiatric clinics and [...] Read more.
Objectives: The study presents an analysis of the risk for common mental disorders (CMDs) in populations with different levels of access to mental health care. Methods: We merged and statistically compared the representative data of prisoners to data collected from psychiatric clinics and the general population. Participants across all samples completed the General Health Questionnaire. Results: More than half of the inmates met the criteria for CMDs, while rates were 25% in the general population and 80% among psychiatric patients. The odds of prisoners being five times more likely to meet the criteria for CMDs were five times higher than the odds of the general population while controlling for demographic variables. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for prisoners for mental health services. Prisoners face stressful life conditions before and during incarceration while having limited access to medical and psychological treatment stresses the need for systemic interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
10 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Not Only COVID-19: Prevalence and Management of Latent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection in Three Penitentiary Facilities in Southern Italy
by Carmine Izzo, Annunziata Monica, Giuseppe De Matteis, Sebastiana De Biasi, Anna De Chiara, Antonio Maria Pagano, Eleonora Mezzetti, Fabio Del Duca, Alice Chiara Manetti, Raffaele La Russa, Marco Di Paolo and Aniello Maiese
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020386 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2530
Abstract
Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis in prisoners are higher than the general population and are two public health concerns, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with LTBI [...] Read more.
Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis in prisoners are higher than the general population and are two public health concerns, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with LTBI among the inmate population detained in three Southern Italian penitentiaries. Tuberculin intradermal reaction skin test was performed on the inmates who agreed to participate in the study. In case of positivity, the QuantiFERON-TB test was performed. In those positive to QuantiFERON, chest X-ray films were performed, and treatment initiated. A total of 381 inmates accepted to participate. The prevalence of LTBI was 4.2%. In the analysis, LTBI was associated with no self-reported contact with active tuberculosis patients within the prisons, and 10% of subjects admitted the use of inhaled drugs. No HIV coinfections were found. No cases of active symptomatic tuberculosis were identified during the study period. Our results confirm that incarceration increases the risk of tuberculous infection. Non-EU nationality and a history of drug addiction appear to be major risk factors for tuberculosis infection in the penitentiary setting. Reinforcing tuberculosis control is essential to prevent its transmission in prisons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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13 pages, 2713 KiB  
Article
Health Management in Italian Prisons during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Focus on the Second and Third Wave
by Raimondo Vella, Gabriele Giuga, Giorgia Piizzi, Danilo Alunni Fegatelli, Giulia Petroni, Alessandro Mauro Tavone, Saverio Potenza, Andrea Cammarano, Gabriele Mandarelli and Gian Luca Marella
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020282 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2678
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spread is a threatening and challenging issue for correctional systems worldwide because of many factors, particularly overcrowding and of the intrinsic characteristics of the population. The prevention measures adopted by the Italian Government were aimed to protect and preserve both inmates’ [...] Read more.
The SARS-CoV-2 spread is a threatening and challenging issue for correctional systems worldwide because of many factors, particularly overcrowding and of the intrinsic characteristics of the population. The prevention measures adopted by the Italian Government were aimed to protect and preserve both inmates’ and prison workers’ health. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the adopted strategies. Methods: Data regarding Italian prisons’ occupation and prisoners’ population from January 2019 to June 2021, as well as the cumulative weekly increase of confirmed cases and the number of doses of vaccine administered among the population of inmates, the prison workers, and Italian population from November 2020 to the end of June 2021, were collected. Results: Prisons’ occupation dropped from 120% to 106% after the beginning of the pandemics. The confirmed cases between inmates were consistently lower than among the Italian population and prison workers. A time-series chart showed a time lag of one week between the peaks of the different population. Conclusions: The containing strategies adopted by the Italian correctional system have proved their effectiveness in terms of the prevention and protection of both inmate and staff health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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15 pages, 461 KiB  
Article
Screening for ADHD Symptoms among Criminal Offenders: Exploring the Association with Clinical Features
by Enrico Capuzzi, Martina Capellazzi, Alice Caldiroli, Francesca Cova, Anna Maria Auxilia, Paola Rubelli, Ilaria Tagliabue, Francesco Giuseppe Zanvit, Gianluca Peschi, Massimiliano Buoli and Massimo Clerici
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020180 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3331
Abstract
Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disabling disorder. High rates of ADHD have been consistently reported among prisoners. The main objectives were (1) to estimate the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in a sample of male inmates and (2) to investigate the relationship between [...] Read more.
Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disabling disorder. High rates of ADHD have been consistently reported among prisoners. The main objectives were (1) to estimate the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in a sample of male inmates and (2) to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and socio-demographic/clinical features. According to the high prevalence of childhood trauma among inmates, we assessed whether exposition to childhood trauma can be related to the presence of ADHD symptoms. Methods: A total of 159 male prisoners admitted to Monza prison between January 2020 and June 2021 were included. Both Wender Utah ADHD rating scale and adult ADHD self-report scale were administered to assess ADHD symptoms. Moreover, inmates completed the childhood trauma questionnaire. Results: Data were available for 108 inmates. Thirty-five prisoners (32.4%) were found on screening to meet the criteria for symptoms of ADHD. Cocaine use disorder, prescription of mood stabilizers and a history of emotional abuse significantly increased the likelihood of having clinically significant ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, patients who experienced physical neglect resulted in meeting the criteria for ADHD symptoms. Conclusions: ADHD symptoms are widespread among inmates and are associated with specific risk factors. Screening for ADHD should be done to provide appropriate intervention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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12 pages, 259 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Recidivism Risk in Sex Offenders: A Pilot Study in Central Italy
by Barbara Gualco, Franco Scarpa and Regina Rensi
Healthcare 2021, 9(11), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111590 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2517
Abstract
Knowing the risk factors of recidivism in sex offenders is important in order to prepare effective preventative interventions and treatment in custody. In this regard, the following paper shows the results of a pilot study carried out in the prisons of central Italy [...] Read more.
Knowing the risk factors of recidivism in sex offenders is important in order to prepare effective preventative interventions and treatment in custody. In this regard, the following paper shows the results of a pilot study carried out in the prisons of central Italy in which 44 sex offenders participated. These participants were given the following tests: Historical Clinical Risk Management-20-version 3 (HCR20v3), Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and Personal Inventory Dimensional (PID-5). The results show a high positivity in the factors of the sub-scales H (historical factors) and C (clinical factors) of HCR20v3; the average total score of the PCR-L is 16.47, with five subjects who are in the “high psychopathy” range (X ≥ 30); with regard to PID-5, the most positive domain is negative affectivity (56.10%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)

Review

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19 pages, 2084 KiB  
Review
Torture and Maltreatment in Prison: A Medico-Legal Perspective
by Giuseppe Davide Albano, Daniela Guadagnino, Mauro Midiri, Corinne La Spina, Valeria Tullio, Antonina Argo and Stefania Zerbo
Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040576 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6507
Abstract
The maltreatment and torture of prisoners constitute a global problem. Methods of maltreatment are classified as the psychological and the physical, and physical methods inevitably lead to psychological sequelae. Our review offers an analysis from the medico-legal perspective of the literature on the [...] Read more.
The maltreatment and torture of prisoners constitute a global problem. Methods of maltreatment are classified as the psychological and the physical, and physical methods inevitably lead to psychological sequelae. Our review offers an analysis from the medico-legal perspective of the literature on the torture and physical and sexual abuse experienced by prisoners and their psychological sequelae and aims to investigate the medico-legal issues of investigating maltreatment in prison so as to suggest methodologies and updated approaches for dealing with such cases in a forensic context. We performed a comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed publications (articles and reviews), research reports, case studies, books, service models, protocols, and institutional documents available online using key electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed) and search engines (Google Scholar) with the following keywords: physical violence, psychological violence, torture, maltreatment, physical abuse, psychological abuse AND prison OR prisoner OR jail OR custody. In the medical literature, most of the publications on torture are based on retrospective studies of torture among survivors and often refer to asylum seekers. Forensic evaluation is crucial for assessing the determinant elements of torture and maltreatment. A multidisciplinary approach and standardized and updated methodologies are needed to support policymakers, national institutions, and public health system initiatives in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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12 pages, 331 KiB  
Review
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of HIV Infection among Detainees: A Review of the Literature
by Ylenia Russotto, Cristina Micali, Natascia Laganà, Andrea Marino, Edoardo Campanella, Benedetto Maurizio Celesia, Giovanni Francesco Pellicanò, Emmanuele Venanzi Rullo and Giuseppe Nunnari
Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122380 - 27 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2339
Abstract
Detainees are one of the most vulnerable populations to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is mostly caused by the lack of knowledge on the topic among the inmates; the lack of prophylaxis; the high percentage of risky behaviors in jail, such as sexual [...] Read more.
Detainees are one of the most vulnerable populations to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is mostly caused by the lack of knowledge on the topic among the inmates; the lack of prophylaxis; the high percentage of risky behaviors in jail, such as sexual abuse, unprotected sexual intercourses, and injective drug use; and the generally low perception of the risk of transmission. It has also been observed that the problem does not cease to exist at the moment of release, but it also may be aggravated by the weak support system or the total absence of programs for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to avoid discontinuation of antiretroviral drugs. Difficulty in providing housing and jobs and, therefore, a form of stability for ex-detainees, also contributes to none adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Among the detainees, there are also categories of people more susceptible to discrimination and violence and, therefore, to risky behaviors, such as black people, Hispanics, transgender people, and men who have sex with men (MSM). We reviewed the literature in order to provide a more complete picture on the situation of PLWHA in jail and to also analyze the difficulties of ex-detainees in adhering to HIV therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
13 pages, 1022 KiB  
Review
The Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Prisoners in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Subhanwita Manna, Snehasish Tripathy, Rahul Kumar Sah, Bijaya Kumar Padhi, Sandeep Kaur, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia and Vijay Kumar Chattu
Healthcare 2022, 10(10), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10102046 - 17 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3546
Abstract
Background: The increasing prevalence and subsequent mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Indian prisoners are often ignored by policymakers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the rising burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Indian prisons and estimate the pooled prevalence of [...] Read more.
Background: The increasing prevalence and subsequent mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Indian prisoners are often ignored by policymakers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the rising burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Indian prisons and estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among Indian prisoners. Methods: A total 9 studies were chosen in accordance with PRISMA guidelines that investigated the burden of NCDs in Indian prisons and were published between January 2010 and August 2022. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA Version 16 software, and the funnel plot was used to identify publication bias. Results: A total of 167 articles were identified, and 9 were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression among prisoners was 48.78% (95% CI, 27.24–70.55%). According to the review, prisoners showed a significant prevalence of moderate to severe depression, dental caries, poor periodontal condition, and suicide ideation. This study is the first to analyze NCDs prevalence among Indian prisoners. Poor mental and dental health standards and the virtual absence of healthcare facilities necessitate governmental actions to boost inmates’ health. It is essential to develop preventative interventions for this extremely isolated and vulnerable group in addition to diagnosing and treating noncommunicable diseases. Conclusions: Our study findings will enable decision-makers to structure and develop appropriate preventative and curative programs for inmates’ general wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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12 pages, 861 KiB  
Review
Malpractice Claims and Ethical Issues in Prison Health Care Related to Consent and Confidentiality
by Oana-Maria Isailă and Sorin Hostiuc
Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071290 - 12 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4722
Abstract
Respecting the consent and confidentiality of a patient is an underlying element in establishing the patient’s trust in the physician and, implicitly, obtaining the patient’s compliance. In particular, cases of inmate patients require increased attention in order to fulfill this goal against a [...] Read more.
Respecting the consent and confidentiality of a patient is an underlying element in establishing the patient’s trust in the physician and, implicitly, obtaining the patient’s compliance. In particular, cases of inmate patients require increased attention in order to fulfill this goal against a background of institutional interferences, which, in certain situations, may endanger the autonomy of the physician and their respect for the inmate’s dignity. The purpose of this article is to depict the characteristics of consent and confidentiality in a prison environment, in special cases, such as hunger strikes, violent acts, HIV testing, COVID-19 measures, and drug use, bringing into focus the physician and the inmate in the context of the particular situation where the target is disciplining someone in order for them to conform to social and juridical norms. Respecting the dignity of the inmate patient requires an adequate approach of informed consent and confidentiality, depending on each case, considering the potential unspoken aspects of the inmate’s account, which can be key elements in obtaining their compliance and avoiding malpractice claims. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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17 pages, 1710 KiB  
Review
The Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Prisons and Prevention Strategies: A Systematic Review and a New Strategic Protocol of Prevention
by Massimiliano Esposito, Monica Salerno, Nunzio Di Nunno, Federica Ministeri, Aldo Liberto and Francesco Sessa
Healthcare 2022, 10(2), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020270 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5725
Abstract
Health risks within prisons are well known and have worsened with the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), becoming a public health emergency. To date, there are more than 10 million inmates in the world; in most cases, conditions are bad and health care is [...] Read more.
Health risks within prisons are well known and have worsened with the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), becoming a public health emergency. To date, there are more than 10 million inmates in the world; in most cases, conditions are bad and health care is scarce. A SARS-CoV-2 outbreak inside a prison is extremely rapid. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze all possible prevention techniques to reduce the risk of COVID-19 related infection within prisons. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used as search engines from 1 January 2020 to 1 November 2021 to evaluate the prevention of COVID-19 in prisoners. A total of 1757 articles were collected. Of them, 486 duplicates were removed. A total of 1250 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria. In conclusion, 21 articles were included in the present systematic review. From this analysis, it emerged that the most common COVID-19 prevention methods were the screening of the entire population (prisoners and workers) inside the prison through swab analysis and the reduction in overcrowding in prisons. Few studies concerned the prevention of COVID-19 infection through vaccination and the implementation of quarantine. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluates the prevention of COVID-19 within jails and the real effectiveness of all possible methods used and published in the literature. Finally, a very useful strategic protocol is provided to reduce the incidence of infection and to control and manage COVID-19 in prisons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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14 pages, 644 KiB  
Review
Understanding the Relationship between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Criminal Justice: A Systematic Review
by Francesco Sessa, Monica Salerno, Massimiliano Esposito, Nunzio Di Nunno, Giuseppe Li Rosi, Salvatore Roccuzzo and Cristoforo Pomara
Healthcare 2022, 10(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10010084 - 2 Jan 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6088
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure is considered one of the main causes of preventable birth disorders; however, it represents the main form of developmental delay in the world. Among the so-called secondary disabilities related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), there is a close connection [...] Read more.
Prenatal alcohol exposure is considered one of the main causes of preventable birth disorders; however, it represents the main form of developmental delay in the world. Among the so-called secondary disabilities related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), there is a close connection with criminal behavior. This systematic review aims to provide up-to-date information about the relationship between FASD subjects and criminal justice analyzing different aspects. In light of the results of this review, a further goal is to provide several suggestions in order to reduce the public cost impact of FASD. A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, producing 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Based on the results published in the selected studies, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of preventable birth disorders and developmental disabilities in newborns. Moreover, these subjects seem to be more inclined to criminal acts compared to others. In conclusion, it should be pointed out that FASD entails high public health costs, both regarding the support measures provided to the affected individual and to their family, as well as the cost and social impact of any criminal offenses committed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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10 pages, 257 KiB  
Review
Chronic Viral Hepatitis in the Italian Prison Setting: Prevalence, Outcomes, Literature Needs and Perspectives
by Vito Fiore, Andrea De Vito, Emanuele Pontali, Luciano Lucania, Giordano Madeddu and Sergio Babudieri
Healthcare 2021, 9(9), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091186 - 9 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2143
Abstract
Compared with the general population, incarcerated people have a higher prevalence of several communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of literature in field. Our review aims to shed the actual knowledge on viral hepatitis among incarcerated people in [...] Read more.
Compared with the general population, incarcerated people have a higher prevalence of several communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of literature in field. Our review aims to shed the actual knowledge on viral hepatitis among incarcerated people in Italy. We performed a comprehensive literature search, through key electronic databases (Scopus, Pubmed–MEDLINE) and search engines (Google Scholar), of peer-reviewed publications (articles and reviews), grey literature on viral hepatitis prevalence, and models proposed for active case finding and control strategies in prison settings. We found that viral hepatitis epidemiology drastically changed in the last five years, particularly on hepatitis C virus (HCV), reporting an HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) prevalence decrease from up to 38% to ˂20% in penitentiary institutes, as well as an even more important reduction in active infections. Probably, the availability of direct-acting antivirals is contributing to this scenario. However, there is a lack of data available regarding incarcerated women. For this reason, more tailored interventions are needed for this sub-population. Judiciary and regulatory bodies should be prompted to discuss and define specific regulations to optimize case active finding strategies, guarantee wide access to effective preventive and treatment options for viral hepatitis and enhance treatment management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 1649 KiB  
Case Report
Infections Are a Very Dangerous Affair: Enterobiasis and Death
by Gelsomina Mansueto, Mariavictoria De Simone, Paola Ciamarra, Emanuele Capasso, Alessandro Feola and Carlo Pietro Campobasso
Healthcare 2021, 9(12), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121641 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3782
Abstract
Background: Enterobiasis or oxyuriasis from Enterobius vermicularis is an infection usually localized in the large bowel and cecum. Generally, the symptoms are characterized by anal itching, and intestinal or nervous disorders. Rarely, it is responsible for death. Methods: A forensic autopsy of a [...] Read more.
Background: Enterobiasis or oxyuriasis from Enterobius vermicularis is an infection usually localized in the large bowel and cecum. Generally, the symptoms are characterized by anal itching, and intestinal or nervous disorders. Rarely, it is responsible for death. Methods: A forensic autopsy of a 52-year-old white male inmate who died 5 days after hospitalization was performed. Histological and toxicological analyses were also performed. Results: The death occurred by localization of Enterobius vermicularis in the duodenum and in the proximal ileum, with intestinal haemorrhage, inflammation, and peritonitis documented by histological examination. Conclusion: This is a common infectious disease, and can rarely occur with a fatal outcome, even in advanced populations. The lack of knowledge related to the rarity of death from enterobiasis disease can determine a dangerous concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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9 pages, 225 KiB  
Commentary
Health in Prison: Does Penitentiary Medicine in Italy Still Exist?
by Matteo Bolcato, Vito Fiore, Filomena Casella, Sergio Babudieri, Luciano Lucania and Giulio Di Mizio
Healthcare 2021, 9(11), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111511 - 5 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2407
Abstract
Despite the detailed legislative developments that have occurred within the context of prison medicine in Italy, problems of a management nature continue to affect prisoner health and management, which in turn impact the prison system’s ability to offer prisoners a real opportunity for [...] Read more.
Despite the detailed legislative developments that have occurred within the context of prison medicine in Italy, problems of a management nature continue to affect prisoner health and management, which in turn impact the prison system’s ability to offer prisoners a real opportunity for rehabilitation. Certain behavioral aspects reported in prisons may alter and negatively impact the normal doctor-patient relationship, including elements that hinder the therapeutic alliance and impede proper clinical risk prevention and management. However, practical steps may be taken in connection with the analysis of flows and healthcare services that may enable prison administrations to bring about a true, modern restructure of the prison system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health in Prison)
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