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Health and mental health of the incarcerated population are growing public health concerns in the United States. When compared to adults within the entire US population, those who are incarcerated have a higher likelihood of developing various physical health concerns. Likewise, there is an over representation of people diagnosed with mental health disorders in the criminal legal system. Despite the high prevalence of mental and physical health conditions, prisons often lack adequate personnel to provide care and effective treatment for the physical and mental health needs of those who are incarcerated.
The current study explores the mental and physical healthcare experiences of the incarcerated population and the prion staff’s perceptions of the healthcare that this population receives. It seeks to amplify the voices of people who are incarcerated while exposing the areas in which prison conditions can be improved.
Methods:
461 individuals incarcerated at a medium security men’s prison in the Midwest were asked to identify the areas in which they would like to see change in the prison. Respondents wrote in text in to provide additional context and information to their responses on a survey on culture and climate in the facility. Content analysis was conducted by two independent coders to identify topic areas. Responses were then organized to identify nuances and subgroupings for each topic.
Results:
Respondents identified multiple areas of concern related to healthcare. Data revealed that people who are incarcerated are forced to wait weeks, and sometimes months, to see a doctor. Several people disclosed that when they finally get the chance to see a doctor, they are met with disrespect and lack of concern for their needs. The data also showed that substance use disorders were a common experience of those who are incarcerated. Yet many reported not receiving adequate care and support to navigate its effects. Finally, the participants shared their experiences of living in prisons that had environmental hazards and conditions that can further exacerbate their health concerns.
Implications: The results of this study supported the existing literature. Healthcare in prisons is often understaffed and inadequate. Funding for healthcare is often minimum reducing the likelihood of hiring and retaining long-term, high-quality staff in these positions. Overcrowding, limited resources, and understaffing create facility hardships that result in healthcare being reduced to minimum standards. Additional support (financial and personnel) is needed in prisons to ensure all individuals have access to healthcare.