Review
Oncology
Christopher R. Manz, Varshini S. Odayar, Deborah Schrag
Summary: Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals have a similar overall risk of cancer diagnosis as the general population, but have a higher risk for certain types of cancer. Both groups also have a higher cancer mortality rate compared to the general population.
Article
Psychiatry
Elise Wuyts, Minne De Boeck, Tineke Dillien, Liesbeth Merckx, Kasia Uzieblo, Katrien De Koster, Astrid De Schutter, Kris Goethals
Summary: This study investigates the safety of people who commit sexual offenses (PSOs) in prison and discusses the need for an integrated therapeutic program. The results show that most interviewed PSOs suffer from abuse by other inmates or prison staff. International experts support the idea of separate housing for PSOs, which has therapeutic benefits. However, Flemish professionals are reluctant to implement this due to concerns about cognitive distortions and further isolation of the stigmatized group.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nadine Kronfli, Camille Dussault, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux, Alexandros Halavrezos, Sylvie Chalifoux, Jessica Sherman, Hyejin Park, Lina Del Balso, Matthew P. Cheng, Sebastien Poulin, Joseph Cox
Summary: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was high among incarcerated adult men in Quebec, Canada, and varied among prisons. Carceral factors such as time spent in prison, employment during incarceration, shared meal consumption, and post-prison outbreak incarceration were associated with seropositivity, emphasizing the importance of decarceration and infection prevention and control measures including vaccination.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jay Holder, Ivan Calaff, Brett Maricque, Van C. Tran
Summary: This research explores the link between disadvantaged context and incarceration, focusing on the public housing-to-prison pipeline. Through a case study of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) housing developments, the study reveals that the incarceration rates in NYCHA tracts are 4.6 times higher than in non-NYCHA tracts. Furthermore, a significant portion of New York State's incarcerated population originates from just 372 NYCHA tracts, highlighting the concentrated disadvantage in these areas. The findings emphasize the need for policies and programs to disrupt community-based pipelines to prison.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Melissa Barragan, Gabriela Gonzalez, Justin Donald Strong, Dallas Augustine, Kelsie Chesnut, Keramet Reiter, Natalie A. Pifer
Summary: Incarceration and solitary confinement are becoming increasingly common in America. Understanding the barriers to care in prison, particularly solitary confinement, is crucial for improving healthcare access.
Article
Anthropology
Corey Whichard, David R. Schaefer, Derek A. Kreager
Summary: This article discusses the importance of studying social networks among prisoners and argues that the challenges of collecting network data in the prison setting can be overcome by adapting methods. The article draws upon the experiences of the Prison Inmate Networks Study (PINS) in five Pennsylvania prisons to provide a framework for collecting network data in prisons.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Abirami Kirubarajan, Jackie Tsang, Susan Dong, Jeanette Hui, Padmaja Sreeram, Zuhal Mohmand, Shannon Leung, Alessandra Ceccacci, Mara Sobel
Summary: This systematic review highlights the urgent need for improved care and attention for individuals who experience pregnancy and childbirth in correctional facilities, including issues such as mental health challenges, dehumanization of prenatal care and delivery, lack of privacy and support.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Economics
Jenny Williams, Don Weatherbum
Summary: This study evaluates electronic monitoring as an alternative to prison for nonviolent offenses and finds that it significantly reduces the probability of reoffending at both the short-term and long-term scales.
REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benjamin A. Howell, Lisa B. Puglisi, Jenerius Aminawung, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Johanna Elumn, Colleen Gallagher, Nadine Horton, Dhruv S. Kazi, Harlan M. Krumholz, Hsiu-Ju Lin, Brita Roy, Emily A. Wang
Summary: This study aims to understand the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people exposed to incarceration and the pathways through which this risk accumulates. By studying individuals released from incarceration with known CVD risk factors, we can identify targets for intervention to modify CVD risk in this vulnerable population.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Pamela J. Surkan, Lisa B. Puglisi, Karim Butler, Nika Elmi, Wayne W. Zachary
Summary: Individuals returning from incarceration face multiple barriers to accessing care for cardiovascular health, including medication and health insurance. A smartphone app that addresses social services and healthcare access issues may help these individuals meet their cardiovascular disease needs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL INFORMATICS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Charlotte Kim, Jenerius A. Aminawung, Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, Emily A. Wang, Lisa B. Puglisi
Summary: Delays in vaccinating communities of color signal the need to investigate structural barriers to vaccine uptake, with mass incarceration needing further characterization as a potential factor. A survey conducted from February to March 2021 showed that exposure to the criminal legal system was associated with higher odds for COVID-19 vaccine deliberation, lower confidence in physician recommendation as a reason to get vaccinated, and higher likelihood of declining vaccination out of fear of infection and political manipulation. Targeted vaccine outreach by trusted community members is needed to address distrust among populations impacted by the criminal legal system during current and future pandemics.
Article
Psychiatry
Paul Kurdyak, Erik L. Friesen, Jesse T. Young, Rohan Borschmann, Javaid Iqbal, Anjie Huang, Fiona Kouyoumdjian
Summary: The study found that individuals with mental illness and addiction are prevalent in prisons, but access to and use of mental health and addiction-related care prior to and during incarceration is low. Increasing accessibility and use of related services throughout the criminal justice pathway is necessary.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily Norris, Matilda Kim, Beverley Osei, Kinwah Fung, Fiona G. Kouyoumdjian
Summary: Females who experience incarceration have poorer health outcomes compared to males who experience incarceration and females in the general population. They have higher morbidity and psychiatric conditions, higher mortality rates, and frequent use of health care services, indicating a need for improved programs and policies to support their health post-release.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Breanna Boppre, Dana Dehart, Cheri J. Shapiro
Summary: While the causes and impacts of incarceration have been extensively researched, the effects on families remain under discussion. This qualitative descriptive study examines experiences and perceptions of visitation, highlighting that barriers, processes, and procedures overshadow the visit itself, causing greater stress for immediate family members and women who visit.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
David Ivarsson, Carl Delfin, Pia Enebrink, Marta Wallinius
Summary: Preventing relapse into violence and its destructive consequences among persistent re-offenders is a primary concern in forensic settings. This pilot study examined the use of Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Training (VRAPT) in a Swedish prison context, and found positive changes in targeted aggression, emotion regulation, and anger among male violent offenders who participated in the treatment. The study highlights the potential of VR-assisted treatments for offender rehabilitation and provides insights for future research in this field.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Family Studies
Moazzam Ali, Nguyen Toan Tran, Rita Kabra, James Kiare
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Family Studies
Moazzam Ali, Nguyen Toan Tran
BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antonio Leidi, Amandine Berner, Roxane Dumont, Richard Dubos, Flora Koegler, Giovanni Piumatti, Nicolas Vuilleumier, Laurent Kaiser, Jean-Francois Balavoine, Didier Trono, Didier Pittet, Francois Chappuis, Omar Kherad, Delphine Sophie Courvoisier, Andrew S. Azman, Maria Eugenia Zaballa, Idris Guessous, Silvia Stringhini
Summary: This cohort study found that anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositive essential workers had a reduced risk of subsequent infection, confirming the protective effect of previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 regardless of their occupational sector, even 6 months after infection.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Patrick Heller, Larisa Morosan, Deborah Badoud, Manon Laubscher, Lisa Jimenez Olariaga, Martin Debbane, Hans Wolff, Stephanie Baggio
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities among youths in a juvenile detention center in Geneva, Switzerland, and investigate the positive effects of intensive psychotherapeutic and educational services provided. The findings showed that incarcerated youths had a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, with most of them having comorbidities. The study also found a positive change in mental health during detention.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Roberta Mensima Amoah, Carolyne Njue, Nguyen Toan Tran, Angela Dawson
Summary: This study aimed to examine the referral forms that accompany referred maternity cases to a referral hospital in northern Ghana. The results showed that some of the referral forms were incomplete, with illegible handwriting, which may lead to treatment delays. Therefore, the authors suggested that the Ghana Health Service should conduct regular audits and provide training and incentives for healthcare professionals to accurately complete the referral forms.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Dominique Pralong, Nguyen Toan Tran, Gerard Mary, Audrey Renaud, Francesco Meach, Hans Wolff
Summary: This study aimed to assess a nurse-initiated, low-frequency medication dispensing system using personal lockable boxes in a Swiss prison. The findings showed that both box users and custodial officers agreed about the perceived advantages of the system, such as user-friendliness, lower theft risk, and increased dignity, confidentiality, compliance, and autonomy.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING
(2023)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Leonel da Cunha Goncalves, Stephanie Baggio, Nina Schnyder, Maria-Eugenia Zaballa, Helene Baysson, Idris Guessous, Astrid Rossegger, Jerome Endrass, Hans Wolff, Silvia Stringhini, Laurent Getaz
Summary: This study examined COVID-19 preventive behaviors and fears among prison staff after the initial outbreak. The findings showed high levels of fears (58.5%) and adherence to protective behaviors (100%). Correctional officers were found to adhere less to preventive measures compared to other staff members. Fears were associated with reduced social contacts, and concerns about physical health were linked to overall preventive behaviors. It is important to increase awareness among prison staff about their vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 in order to enhance the effectiveness of health campaigns in prison settings. Special attention should be given to correctional officers.
VICTIMS & OFFENDERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laurent Getaz, Hans Wolff, Leonel Goncalves, Giuseppe Togni, Silvia Stringhini, Komal Chacowry Pala, Anne Iten, Idris Guessous, Laurent Kaiser, Francois Chappuis, Stephanie Baggio
Summary: During the first wave, the largest and most crowded Swiss prison did not experience a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preventive measures likely played a role in avoiding clusters of infection. The authors suggest that preventive measures impacting social welfare can be relaxed when overall community circulation is low to mitigate the negative impact of isolation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRISONER HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Stephanie Baggio, Stefan Kaiser, Alexandre Wullschleger
Summary: The use of coercive practices, such as seclusion, in mental health care settings is controversial. This study found that seclusion has a negative causal effect on patients' mental health, as indicated by increased scores on the Health of the Nations Outcome Scales. These findings emphasize the need to avoid the use of seclusion and raise awareness among medical staff about potential adverse effects.
EVALUATION & THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephanie Baggio, Leonel Goncalves, Patrick Heller, Hans Wolff, Laurent Getaz
Summary: Providing insights on refusal to participate in research is critical to understand non-response bias. This study investigated non-response bias among detained persons by comparing those who accepted or refused to sign informed consent. The results showed that education level, health insurance status, need for another study language, health literacy, and region of origin were important predictors of the decision to sign the consent. Clinical characteristics were not significantly associated with response. Efforts should be made to reach this vulnerable population and ensure equitable distribution of research benefits.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alexandre Infanti, Vladan Starcevic, Adriano Schimmenti, Yasser Khazaal, Laurent Karila, Alessandro Giardina, Maeva Flayelle, Seyedeh Boshra Hedayatzadeh Razavi, Stephanie Baggio, Claus Vogele, Joel Billieux
Summary: This study aims to investigate the changes in the severity of cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the predictors of cyberchondria at this time. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic affected various facets of cyberchondria, with cyberchondria-related distress and compulsion increasing and the reassurance facet of cyberchondria decreasing. COVID-19-related fears and health anxiety emerged as the strongest predictors of cyberchondria-related distress and interference with functioning during the pandemic.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
P. A. U. L. I. N. E. Billaux, J. O. E. L. Billieux, STePHANIE Baggio, P. I. E. R. R. E. Maurage, MAeVA Flayelle
Summary: Applying a cut-off-based approach in the context of binge-watching has its pitfalls, as demonstrated by the lack of reliable cut-off scores in a widely used assessment instrument. This challenges the traditional diagnostic approach in the research field of behavioral addictions.
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Stephanie Baggio, Giuseppe Togni, Isabella Eckerle, Nicolas Vuillemier, Laurent Kaiser, Laurent Getaz
Summary: This study compared the feasibility of capillary blood self-testing in different age groups and found that individuals under 65 were more likely to complete the self-testing. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between capillary blood and venous blood testing. Capillary blood self-testing provides a feasible and reliable alternative to venous blood testing.
PRACTICAL LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Oliver Pain, Karen Hodgson, Vassily Trubetskoy, Stephan Ripke, Victoria S. Marshe, Mark J. Adams, Enda M. Byrne, Adrian I. Campos, Tania Carrillo-Roa, Annamaria Cattaneo, Thomas D. Als, Daniel Souery, Mojca Z. Dernovsek, Chiara Fabbri, Caroline Hayward, Neven Henigsberg, Joanna Hauser, James L. Kennedy, Eric J. Lenze, Glyn Lewis, Daniel J. Mueller, Nicholas G. Martin, Benoit H. Mulsant, Ole Mors, Nader Perroud, David J. Porteous, Miguel E. Renteria, Charles F. Reynolds, Marcella Rietschel, Rudolf Uher, Eleanor M. Wigmore, Wolfgang Maier, Naomi R. Wray, Katherine J. Aitchison, Volker Arolt, Bernhard T. Baune, Joanna M. Biernacka, Guido Bondolfi, Katharina Domschke, Masaki Kato, Qingqin S. Li, Yu-Li Liu, Alessandro Serretti, Shih-Jen Tsai, Gustavo Turecki, Richard Weinshilboum, Andrew M. McIntosh, Cathryn M. Lewis
Summary: Antidepressant response is influenced by common genetic variation, has a genetic overlap with schizophrenia and educational attainment, and provides a useful resource for future research.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)