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BACKGROUND: Prisons often serve as high-risk environments for drug use, and incarcerated people are at a high risk for substance use-related mental and physical harms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of non-injection drug use inside the prison and its related factors among incarcerated people in Iran. METHODS: We utilized data from three national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys conducted among incarcerated people in Iran in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Eligibility criteria were being ≥ 18 years old, providing informed consent, and being incarcerated for over a week. Overall, 17,228 participants across all surveys were recruited through a multi-stage random sampling approach. Each participant underwent a face-to-face interview and HIV test. The primary objective of the study was to assess self-reported non-injection drug use within the prison environment within the last month. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to determine associated covariates with drug use inside prison and an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULT: The prevalence of non-injection drug use inside the prison was 24.1% (95% CI 23.5, 24.7) with a significant decreasing trend (39.7% in 2009, 17.8% in 2013, 14.0% in 2017; p-value

Background and objectivesThe incarcerated population is growing older and by the year 2030, more than one third of people incarcerated in the United States will be over the age of 55. This population shift will have a profound impact on correctional health care systems as older incarcerated people often have multiple chronic illnesses and correctional institutions were not designed with aging and disability in mind. Black women experience greater burdens of comorbid conditions and are disproportionately represented among incarcerated women.Research design and methodsWe utilized Black Feminist Epistemological Methodology to explore the intersection of aging, chronic illness, and mass incarceration via in-depth interviews with 13 formerly incarcerated older Black women.ResultsFirst, participants described needing to prove themselves to be trustworthy prior to becoming ill in order to be believed and granted access to care when they report symptoms. Next, participants report being treated, not as patients, but as "inmates." The punitive nature of prison health care disrupted the patient-provider relationship and complicated the ability of patients to maintain autonomy in health care interactions. Finally, I describe how carceral health extends beyond the walls of both the clinic and the institution.Discussion and implicationsFor older Black women, medical care and decision making inside prisons occur within a punitive context, which presents unique barriers when seeking care. Their experiences of health and illness while incarcerated may continue to influence if and how they seek care as they age in the community and thus must be interrogated when discussing aging in the Black community.

The Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) prohibits using federal funds for ambulatory care services and medications (including for infectious diseases) for incarcerated persons. More than one quarter of states, including California and Massachusetts, have asked the federal government for authority to waive the MIEP. To improve health outcomes and continuation of care, those states seek to cover transitional care services provided to persons in the period before release from incarceration. The Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, Massachusetts Department of Correction, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School have collaborated to improve infectious disease healthcare service provision before and after release from incarceration. They seek to provide stakeholders working at the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare with tools to advance Medicaid policy and improve treatment and prevention of infectious diseases for persons in jails and prisons by removing MIEP barriers through Section 1115 waivers.

Prisons, due to various risk factors, are environments that are conducive to infectious disease transmission, with significantly higher prevalence of infectious diseases within prisons compared to the general population. This underscores the importance of preventive measures, particularly vaccination. As part of the international project "Reaching the hard-to-reach: Increasing access and vaccine uptake among the prison population in Europe" (RISE-Vac), this study aimed to map the availability and delivery framework of vaccination services in prisons across Europe and beyond. A questionnaire designed to collect data on the availability and delivery model of vaccination services in prisons was validated and uploaded in SurveyMonkey in July 2023. Then, it was submitted to potential participants, with at least one representative from each European country. Potential participants emailed an invitation letter by the RISE-Vac partners and by the European Organization of Prison and Correctional Services (EUROPRIS). Twenty European countries responded. Vaccines are available in European countries, although their availability differs by country and type of vaccine. The first dose is offered to people living in prisons (PLP), mostly within one month, COVID-19 is the most widely offered vaccine. In all countries, vaccines are actively offered by healthcare workers; in most countries, there is no evaluation of vaccination status among people who work in prison. The survey shows variance in vaccine availability for PLP and staff across countries and vaccine types. Quality healthcare in prisons is not only a matter of the right to health but also a critical public health investment: enhancing vaccine uptake consistently among PLP and staff should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, American courts have taken for granted that the separation of powers severs the judiciary from prison administration. In its more stringent forms, this idea characterized the so-called "hands-off doctrine." Under the hands-off doctrine, courts would decline to intervene in prison government, even when presented with claims that conditions of life inside prisons were so bad that they violated inmates' constitutional rights. This stringent view fell away over the course of the 1960s and 1970s. But the gist of it survives. The separation-ofpowers principle is a pillar of contemporary prison law. It supports vast judicial deference to prison administrators. It tends to rule out injunctive orders that might aim to regulate or remedy conditions of confinement. Courts find prison management to be all but exclusively the political branches' business. This Note discovers an earlier, more reasoned regime. In the thirty-odd years following American independence, the judicial power uniformly came to encompass supervisory authority over prisons. Judges could second-guess the warden. Sometimes they had to. Judges were called upon to appoint prison inspectors, to act on those inspectors' presentments, to frame rules of internal prison government, and to review a sheriff's selection of jailers. In some jurisdictions, on their own motion, they could remove a prison keeper for misbehavior. Nor is that all. The statutes vesting these powers in judges went on the books amid sustained debates over the meaning of the separation of powers, as Founding Era constitutions enshrined that principle. Its major exponents, Thomas Jefferson among them, were sometimes responsible for drafting these statutes and then lobbying for their passage. Across the germinal period of our constitutional and penological history, a ubiquitous, cohesive body of law gave force to the following view: supervision of prison government is consistent with, if not an incident of, a separated judicial power and its exercise. I call it the eyes-on doctrine. This Note argues for its studious revival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into Jabbar Collins' journey to overturn his wrongful conviction for murder after over 15 years in prison. Topics include Collins' self-led legal efforts to secure his release, such as learning law and filing appeals; the role of prosecutorial misconduct by lead prosecutor Michael Vecchione; and the systemic issues in the justice system, highlighted by Collins' case, which reveal the need for accountability and reform in prosecutorial practices.

People in prison have no choice but to use the banking systems that prisons operate. Rather than use an outside bank account or have family or friends meet their daily needs directly, people in prison must rely on what are often called “inmate trust accounts” to pay for goods and services within the prisons. These accounts have long been vulnerable to asset seizure by the prisons that run them. The money in these accounts comes from prison wages and deposits by friends and family members of incarcerated people. Prisons take this money in a variety of ways: they impose fees for a wide variety of services (like making a phone call, receiving mail, participating in educational programming or treatment, or even using the banking system itself), sell commissary items at highly marked up prices, exact fines as punishment for disciplinary infractions, divert money at the behest of courts and other criminal system agencies to pay other fines and fees, and collect interest from the pooled accounts. Sometimes prisons seize large portions of an incarcerated person’s trust account balance under the rationale that the individual owes the prison system for their daily room and board. Sometimes the money simply disappears as a result of embezzlement or error. In 2021, the problems inherent in prison management of individuals’ money became apparent when COVID-19 stimulus checks intended for incarcerated people began disappearing from their accounts. Prisons and jails offered a variety of rationales, and some individuals raised legal challenges, but few questioned the basic authority of prisons to disburse money to themselves and other government entities, or the legitimacy of the prison banking system overall. Prisons have a significant conflict of interest in managing these banking systems, and the accounts are subjected to little transparency and oversight. Statutory and administrative regulation of these accounts is minimal, compared to the tightly controlled regulation of money management in the free world. Given the direct access that prisons have to these accounts and the ease with which they can seize funds, inmate trust accounts are a site of substantial wealth extraction, often with the blessing and penological deference of the courts. This Article examines the history and legal status of inmate trust accounts and the vulnerability of these funds. The Article places prison banking within the broader landscape of racialized wealth extraction through the criminal system and challenges the assumption that prisons and jails—subject to little regulation despite apparent conflicts of interest—should be permitted to operate a low-transparency banking system with exclusive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renewed growth of immersive "faith-unit" programs operating inside U.S. maximum-security prisons has brought with it a heightened emphasis on the practice of religion in correctional settings. Modeled from a prototype Christian seminary planted inside Louisiana State Penitentiary Angola, newer programs utilize outside religious educators for the credentialing of inmates into work assignments on behalf of prisons. As resource-challenged wardens deploy religiously credentialed inmates for leading new forms of prison ministry inside state facilities, research has not kept pace with the rapid growth of programs. Based on previous research, this article offers a retrospective account of the establishment of "offender ministries" at the Angola prison seminary planted at Louisiana State Penitentiary in 1994. While correctional leaders are obliged to accommodate the diverse religious identities of prisoners, private sponsors of immersive religious programs must balance doctrinal fealty with religious pluralism. Drawing from fieldnotes and on-site interviews in previous research, lessons from the history of Angola's ecumenical prison seminary and "inmate ministry" programs are discussed while strengths and weaknesses are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restorative justice (RJ) is a way of doing justice following an offense that is oriented toward repairing individual, relational, and social harm. Despite indications of their contribution to rehabilitation, RJ is still used infrequently, especially in serious offenses. We believe implementing them in prison is likely to provide access to RJ to a wider population. Twenty-three adult correctional clients were interviewed about their attitudes toward participation in RJ while in custody. Specifically, the study examined facilitators and barriers affecting their willingness to participate. The facilitators found included the following: (1) Desire to seek forgiveness; (2) Expressing respect for the victim; (3) Reciprocity—the correctional client as a victim; and (4) Desire to renew relationships. The barriers identified were as follows: (1) Fear of the victims' reactions; (2) Disbelief in the victim's ability to forgive; and (3) Unwillingness to include their supporters. These facilitators and barriers are discussed with a view to implementing RJ in prisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world of smart prisons is gaining momentum despite receiving limited attention due to the ability to maintain social order and reduce crime rates. Therefore, this research aims to synthesize the current knowledge of smart prisons, identify barriers to trend technologies, and provide valuable insights for practitioners, and policymakers. The systematic literature review (SLR) method by Kitchenham was used to collect data from Scopus from 2007 to 2023, which comprised 59 articles in the final phase. The high cost of smart technology, ineffective technology design, poor management, aging facilities, increased violence, ethical concerns, and lots more, were some of the barriers associated with the topic. The study highlights the need for targeted strategies, such as cost‐benefit analyses, phased implementation, and comprehensive staff training, to overcome these barriers. The study also reveals varied approaches to smart prison adoption across countries, influenced by differences in economic resources and policy frameworks. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous evaluation, international collaboration, and adherence to ethical standards to sustain smart prison development. The result showed that smart prisons are important in the field of corrections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spain healthcare system is decentralized, with seventeen autonomous regions overseeing healthcare. However, penitentiary healthcare is managed nationally, except in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Navarra. These variations impact mental health care provision for inmates with serious mental illness (SMI). Objective: To delineate differences between regions in terms of mental health care provision for individuals with SMI, available resources, and the perspectives of healthcare professionals operating in the Spanish prison environment. Methods: Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach, the study conducted an extensive literature review, quantitative data collection through structured questionnaires, and qualitative data collection via focus groups and four in-depth interviews. Analysis involved calculating percentages and ratios for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data interpretation to comprehensively understand mental healthcare provision. Results: In December 2021, about 4% of inmates in Spain had SMI. There are three distinct models of mental healthcare within the Spanish prison system. The traditional penitentiary model, representing 83% of the incarcerated population, operates independently under the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions at a national level. This model relies on an average of 5.2 penitentiary General Practitioners (pGP) per 1,000 inmates for psychiatric and general healthcare. External psychiatrists are engaged for part-time psychiatric assessment. Acute psychiatric hospitalization occurs in general nursing modules within penitentiary centers or in Restricted Access Units (RAUs) in reference hospitals. Two penitentiary psychiatric hospitals provide care to unimputable SMI inmates from all over Spain. Innovative penitentiary models, constituting 17% of the prison population, integrate penitentiary healthcare within regional public health systems. The Basque Country features a Mental Health Unit with fulltime care teams within the penitentiary center. Catalonia emphasizes community care, providing full-time dedicated psychiatric services within and outside prisons, ensuring continued care in the community. Both models prioritize personnel with specialized mental health training and compensation akin to non-prison healthcare settings. Conclusions: Regional disparities in penitentiary mental healthcare models in Spain result in resource inequalities, impacting specialized care for inmates with SMI and opportunities for healthcare professionals. The models in the Basque Country and Catalonia offer valuable experiences for penitentiary healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with disabilities experience significant health inequalities and inequities compared to people without disabilities. However, there is little evidence on the frequency of health conditions and their association with disability in the prison context. The aim of this study was to compare the proportions and associations between various health conditions and different disability indicators. A secondary analysis of existing data from the Ecuador Prison Census 2022 was conducted. The variable of interest was based on three disability indicators from the six-item Washington Group Short Set on Functioning. A cross-tabulation was carried out to estimate the proportion of prisoners with different disability indicators by gender. These proportions were also calculated for different health conditions. Moreover, we analyzed the association between each of the three disability indicators and the different health conditions using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 30,612 incarcerated persons were included in the analysis, revealing that 8% had disabilities. According to gender, a higher proportion of women had disabilities (10.7% vs. 8.5%), some difficulty functioning (33.8% vs. 28.0%), and multiple disabilities (2.4% vs. 2.0%) compared to men. Furthermore, people with disabilities had a higher proportion of health conditions compared to those without a disability. Strong and very strong evidence of associations were found between different disability indicators and several health conditions, while a lower odds of drug use was observed in people with disabilities and multiple disabilities compared to their counterparts, and no evidence of association was found with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Our results reflect the health inequalities and inequities experienced by prisoners with disabilities. This highlights the need to implement targeted policies within prisons and to include prisoners with disabilities in the country's agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

U.S. prisons were especially susceptible to COVID-19 infection and death; however, data limitations have precluded a national accounting of prison mortality (including but not limited to COVID-19 mortality) during the pandemic. Our analysis of mortality data collected from public records requests (supplemented with publicly available data) from 48 Departments of Corrections provides the most comprehensive understanding to date of in-custody mortality during 2020. We find that total mortality increased by 77% in 2020 relative to 2019, corresponding to 3.4 times the mortality increase in the general population, and that mortality in prisons increased across all age groups (49 and under, 50 to 64, and 65 and older). COVID-19 was the primary driver for increases in mortality due to natural causes; some states also experienced substantial increases due to unnatural causes. These findings provide critical information about the pandemic's toll on some of the country's most vulnerable individuals while underscoring the need for data transparency and standardized reporting in carceral settings.

Abstract Prisons, due to various risk factors, are environments that are conducive to infectious disease transmission, with significantly higher prevalence of infectious diseases within prisons compared to the general population. This underscores the importance of preventive measures, particularly vaccination. As part of the international project “Reaching the hard-to-reach: Increasing access and vaccine uptake among the prison population in Europe” (RISE-Vac), this study aimed to map the availability and delivery framework of vaccination services in prisons across Europe and beyond. A questionnaire designed to collect data on the availability and delivery model of vaccination services in prisons was validated and uploaded in SurveyMonkey in July 2023. Then, it was submitted to potential participants, with at least one representative from each European country. Potential participants emailed an invitation letter by the RISE-Vac partners and by the European Organization of Prison and Correctional Services (EUROPRIS). Twenty European countries responded. Vaccines are available in European countries, although their availability differs by country and type of vaccine. The first dose is offered to people living in prisons (PLP), mostly within one month, COVID-19 is the most widely offered vaccine. In all countries, vaccines are actively offered by healthcare workers; in most countries, there is no evaluation of vaccination status among people who work in prison. The survey shows variance in vaccine availability for PLP and staff across countries and vaccine types. Quality healthcare in prisons is not only a matter of the right to health but also a critical public health investment: enhancing vaccine uptake consistently among PLP and staff should be prioritized.

Relevance. Despite significant improvement, the epidemiological situation regarding tuberculosis in Russian prisons remains not entirely favorable. It is advisable to assess the epidemiological situation regarding penitentiary tuberculosis in Russia in the post-pandemic period and against the backdrop of a special military operation. Aim: to assess the dynamics of the development of the tuberculosis epidemic situation and the state of provision of TB care in prisons of the Russian Federation in 2023. Scientific novelty: for the first time, a study of the epidemic situation of penitentiary tuberculosis was carried out in the context of a special military operation and in the period following the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods. Data from official (federal and departmental) statistical observation for 2000-2023 was studied. Results and Discussion. In 2023, there is an acceleration in the rate of decline in the incidence of tuberculosis in pre-trial detention centers to 15.8% (p0.001), while maintaining a stable rate of decline in correctional institutions. In general, in penitentiary institutions, the incidence of tuberculosis decreased from 580,4 in 2022 to 540,0 per 100,000 in 2023. The share of new cases of tuberculosis detected in penitentiary institutions among all new cases of tuberculosis decreased from 6.49% in 2022 to 5.63% in 2023. Mortality from tuberculosis changed statistically insignificantly (from 5.8 in 2022 to 4.5 per 100,000 in 2023; p=0.5). The prevalence of tuberculosis fell to 1982.3 per 100,000. The proportion of patients with tuberculosis combined with HIV in 2023 was 36.4%. Conclusion. The special military operation and the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a negative impact on the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Russian prisons. There may be some positive impact of the special military operation on the epidemic situation regarding tuberculosis, associated with the involvement of socially vulnerable sections of the population in economic and defense activities, which resulted in an increase in their standard of living and a decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis, which manifested itself in a decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis in pre-trial detention centers to a historical minimum.

People with disabilities experience significant health inequalities and inequities compared to people without disabilities. However, there is little evidence on the frequency of health conditions and their association with disability in the prison context. The aim of this study was to compare the proportions and associations between various health conditions and different disability indicators. A secondary analysis of existing data from the Ecuador Prison Census 2022 was conducted. The variable of interest was based on three disability indicators from the six-item Washington Group Short Set on Functioning. A cross-tabulation was carried out to estimate the proportion of prisoners with different disability indicators by gender. These proportions were also calculated for different health conditions. Moreover, we analyzed the association between each of the three disability indicators and the different health conditions using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 30,612 incarcerated persons were included in the analysis, revealing that 8% had disabilities. According to gender, a higher proportion of women had disabilities (10.7% vs. 8.5%), some difficulty functioning (33.8% vs. 28.0%), and multiple disabilities (2.4% vs. 2.0%) compared to men. Furthermore, people with disabilities had a higher proportion of health conditions compared to those without a disability. Strong and very strong evidence of associations were found between different disability indicators and several health conditions, while a lower odds of drug use was observed in people with disabilities and multiple disabilities compared to their counterparts, and no evidence of association was found with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Our results reflect the health inequalities and inequities experienced by prisoners with disabilities. This highlights the need to implement targeted policies within prisons and to include prisoners with disabilities in the country’s agenda.

PurposeWomen involved in the carceral system (CS) experience several conditions that increase their risk for HIV (e.g. high rates of substance use, psychiatric disorders, histories of victimization). The purpose of this study is to explore perspectives on potential strategies to connect women in the CS to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted in-depth interviews with 27 women involved in the CS eligible for PrEP. Using vignettes, interviews explored attitudes, barriers and facilitators toward PrEP screening, referral and linkage facilitated via a CS stakeholder, an mHealth application or providing PrEP service referrals during detention via a navigator.FindingsMost women were, on average, 41.3 years, from racial and ethnic minority groups (56% black/African American; 19% Latinx). Inductive thematic analysis revealed CS involved women expressed mostly positive attitudes toward CS-based PrEP implementation. Younger women were more accepting of and interested in mHealth interventions. Implementation facilitators included leveraging relationships with trusted allies (e.g. "peers") and existing systems collaborations. Recommended implementation strategies included providing HIV and PrEP-specific education and training for system stakeholders and addressing issues related to privacy, system mistrust and stigma.Originality/valueResults provide a critical foundation for the implementation of interventions to improve PrEP access for women involved in the CS and have important implications for implementation strategies for all adults involved in the CS. Improving access to PrEP among this population may also support progress toward addressing national disparities in PrEP uptake, where women, black and Latinx populations have substantial unmet need.

The US is the world leader in imprisoning immigrants. Its mass immigration detention system emerged as an extension of mass incarceration, rooted in a legacy of racist US immigration and criminal laws. Immigration policy is a structural determinant of health that negatively affects the health of imprisoned immigrants, their families, and their communities. The systemic harms of detention facilities, which we refer to as immigration prisons, have been extensively documented, yet incrementalist reforms have failed to result in improved outcomes for immigrants. We argue that ending the practice of immigrant imprisonment is the most effective solution to mitigating its harms. Community-based programs are safer and less expensive than imprisonment, while also being effective at ensuring compliance with government requirements. We identify several priorities for researchers and policy makers to tackle the health inequities resulting from this structurally racist system. These include applying a critical, intersectional lens to studying the policies and practices that drive imprisonment, engaging affected communities in research and policy development, and creating an accountable and transparent system of data collection and release to inform health interventions. The reliance of the US on immigrant imprisonment is a policy choice with immense social and economic costs; dismantling it is critical to advancing health equity.

PurposeThis study aims to characterize the June 2020 COVID-19 outbreak at San Quentin California State Prison and to describe what made San Quentin so vulnerable to uncontrolled transmission.Design/methodology/approachSince its onset, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the profound health harms of carceral settings, such that nearly half of state prisons reported COVID-19 infection rates that were four or more times (and up to 15 times) the rate found in the state's general population. Thus, addressing the public health crises and inequities of carceral settings during a respiratory pandemic requires analyzing the myriad factors shaping them. In this study, we reported observations and findings from environmental risk assessments during visits to San Quentin California State Prison. We complemented our assessments with analyses of administrative data.FindingsFor future respiratory pathogens that cannot be prevented with effective vaccines, this study argues that outbreaks will no doubt occur again without robust implementation of additional levels of preparedness - improved ventilation, air filtration, decarceration with emergency evacuation planning - alongside addressing the vulnerabilities of carceral settings themselves.Originality/valueThis study addresses two critical aspects that are insufficiently covered in the literature: how to prepare processes to safely implement emergency epidemic measures when needed, such as potential evacuation, and how to address unique challenges throughout an evolving pandemic for each carceral setting.

Abstract Background Widespread antibiotic prescribing contributes to globally emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite stewardship recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, there is a lack of literature identifying barriers and facilitators to antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in United States (U.S.) carceral settings. Methods Guided by the Theoretic Domains Framework, we performed in-depth interviews with 68 key stakeholders in Massachusetts carceral settings to contextualize barriers and facilitators to ASP implementation. We recruited 32 people incarcerated in Massachusetts jails and 36 carceral clinicians, correctional officers/administrators in Massachusetts and other U.S. states, and Massachusetts community clinicians for interviews. Results From the completed semi-structured in-depth interviews, we identified seven salient themes—four barriers and three facilitators—both specific to and across stakeholder groups. Barriers included the following: (1) jail being viewed as a “dirty place” that increases the risk of infections; (2) variable awareness and knowledge of AMR and ASPs; (3) clinicians’ opposition to change and oversight of their antibiotic prescribing; (4) competing priorities taking precedence over ASP implementation. Facilitators included (5) interest in changing the narrative about carceral healthcare through ASP implementation; (6) opportunities for education about ASP and AMR; and (7) the development of systems, policies, and regulations to improve antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to leverage broad criminal-legal stakeholder groups to inform the next steps in developing and implementing ASPs in carceral settings in the U.S.

Abstract Background Prisons often serve as high-risk environments for drug use, and incarcerated people are at a high risk for substance use-related mental and physical harms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of non-injection drug use inside the prison and its related factors among incarcerated people in Iran. Methods We utilized data from three national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys conducted among incarcerated people in Iran in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Eligibility criteria were being ≥ 18 years old, providing informed consent, and being incarcerated for over a week. Overall, 17,228 participants across all surveys were recruited through a multi-stage random sampling approach. Each participant underwent a face-to-face interview and HIV test. The primary objective of the study was to assess self-reported non-injection drug use within the prison environment within the last month. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to determine associated covariates with drug use inside prison and an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Result The prevalence of non-injection drug use inside the prison was 24.1% (95% CI 23.5, 24.7) with a significant decreasing trend (39.7% in 2009, 17.8% in 2013, 14.0% in 2017; p-value

Abstract Background Social reintegration relies on the support given to prisoners not only during their reentry into society but also throughout their imprisonment. Our goal was to analyze the expectations reported by cisgender and transgender women returning to society and of the justice and social welfare professionals from the Brazilian prison system. Methods A qualitative analysis using saturation sampling was conducted. The participants were selected through a non-probabilistic sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the management of the prison system and female former inmates. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an open and focused coding process. Textual data was stored, organized, and coded using Atlas software according to emerging themes. Results The study involved 15 professionals and 13 female former inmates, five of them identified as transgender women. Among the professionals, the age range went from 38 to 65 years old; they reported a work history in their respective fields, from 10 to 35 years, with an equal distribution across genders. As for the female former inmates, their ages ranged from 24 to 42 years old, and the most reported crime was drug trafficking. Their incarceration time varied from 1 to 8 years. Female inmates were vulnerable to abuse and violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Women in situations of prior vulnerability faced additional challenges during their sentences. Transgender women were even more neglected and discriminated against by the system. Despite the professionals being aware and concerned about vulnerabilities and the need to improve the reintegration process, in general, they were not sensitive to the gender perspective. There were no specific policies able to support social integration for this public. Conclusions Data showed multifaceted challenges faced by female former inmates within the Brazilian prison system, highlighting the insufficient policies for both cisgender and transgender women. Additionally, the results revealed a lack of sensitivity among professionals regarding gender issues and their particularities in the prison system and social reintegration. These findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and intersectional approach that addresses the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of these individuals.

The treatment or the resocialization is the most important part of the prison sentence which methods can be individual and group. Motivated inmates and less resistance for the treatment are the main precondition for effective treatment. Appropriate behavior of personnel is the main factor for that result. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the most effective evidence based psychotherapy approach for offender population is a type for inmate treatment. CBT is a result of Aaron Beck pioneering work in the 1960s. CBT model is based on the triangle relationships between cognition, emotions and behavior. The cognition is defined as a product of the three levels: cognitive schemas, negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional thinking or thinking errors. The inventory of risk, need and strengths (IORNS), an risk assessment instrument, based on Risk, need and responsivity (RNR) model, was used for selection of (N=27) inmates and CBT treatment pilot program final evaluation, in Macedonian prison Bitola. The evaluation was done by comparing pre and post test measures in (N=12) male inmates, as optimal number for group psychotherapy treatment. According to the RNR model the treatment program needs to be oriented to the inmates needs. Implementing CBT treatment program for group psychotherapy and IORNS as short screening tool in Macedonian prisons was the aim of the project supported by the Council of Europe in this work. The results showed significant lower Procriminal attitudes but higher Aggression because of higher Aggressive behavior in the post measures. Results and instrument can be used in next CBT programs evaluations for better rehabilitation of prison inmates and reducing recidivism.

Background: Widespread antibiotic prescribing contributes to globally emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite stewardship recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, there is a lack of literature identifying barriers and facilitators to antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in United States (U.S.) carceral settings. Methods: Guided by the Theoretic Domains Framework, we performed in-depth interviews with 68 key stakeholders in Massachusetts carceral settings to contextualize barriers and facilitators to ASP implementation. We recruited 32 people incarcerated in Massachusetts jails and 36 carceral clinicians, correctional officers/administrators in Massachusetts and other U.S. states, and Massachusetts community clinicians for interviews. Results: From the completed semi-structured in-depth interviews, we identified seven salient themes—four barriers and three facilitators—both specific to and across stakeholder groups. Barriers included the following: (1) jail being viewed as a "dirty place" that increases the risk of infections; (2) variable awareness and knowledge of AMR and ASPs; (3) clinicians' opposition to change and oversight of their antibiotic prescribing; (4) competing priorities taking precedence over ASP implementation. Facilitators included (5) interest in changing the narrative about carceral healthcare through ASP implementation; (6) opportunities for education about ASP and AMR; and (7) the development of systems, policies, and regulations to improve antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to leverage broad criminal-legal stakeholder groups to inform the next steps in developing and implementing ASPs in carceral settings in the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies on inmates' Health Care Service (HCS) utilization are scarce globally, infrequent in Ethiopia while findings about the factors associated with HCS utilization are inconsistent. The present study, therefore, examined inmates' HCS utilization and associated socio-demographic and imprisonment related factors in Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: The study employed institution-based cross sectional research design and data was collected using questionnaire from 422 inmates in three prisons. The questionnaire collected data about prisoners' demographic characters, imprisonment related information and HCS utilization. Descriptive statistical techniques as well as bi-variate and multiple logistic regressions were used to analyse the data. Results and discussions: The study found that 72.5%, 66.1% and 13.3% of the inmates, respectively, used medical services, guidance and counseling services, and psychiatric services. Inmates with primary education, with secondary education, and who know the availability of the services were more likely to use medical services. Inmates with accused status were less likely to use medical services than inmates with convict status. Divorced marital status and knowledge of the service availability were associated with high guidance and counseling service use. An increase in the length of stay in the prison was associated with a decrease in psychiatry service use while knowledge of service availability was associated with higher odds of psychiatry service use. There are high medical care service utilization while low mental health care service utilization among inmates in Northwestern Ethiopia. Results of the study implied that there is a critical need for immediate health care service promotion and education measures. Besides, there are also needs for large scale, longitudinal and potentially cross-cultural studies to better understand additional factors that influence inmates' HCS utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, there is a lack of systematically collected health data on people who are incarcerated. Our objective in this paper was to describe a process model of formative work for a project to strengthen health surveillance for people incarcerated under a Canadian prison authority. We have developed project structures and processes, and we are evaluating project partnerships. To inform prison health surveillance foci, we are conducting a review of literature on best practices, a qualitative study to understand stakeholders' needs and priorities, and mapping work to understand available prison health-related data. Developing and implementing prison health surveillance is gradual and developmental, necessitating time to build relationships and obtain approvals. The needs and interests of knowledge users should be prioritized, but there may be challenges to achieving a coherent vision due to feasibility and differing needs and objectives of various stakeholders. Developing collaborative relationships could help bridge this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the particularity of the work of the prison police, the prevalence of depression is increasing. To explore the influence mechanism of prison police depression, this study used questionnaire to measure burnout, work–family conflict, and depression of prison police in two follow-ups with 6-month intervals, and the number of valid subjects was 118. Cross-lagged analysis and longitudinal mediation analysis were used for data processing. The results showed that job burnout and depression among prison police can influence and predict each other. Work–family conflict significantly positively predicted depression. Burnout and work–family conflict are important predictors of changes in depression among prison police. The policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed at the end of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess and compare the probability of tuberculosis (TB) transmission based on five dynamic models: the Wells–Riley equation, two Rudnick & Milton-proposed models based on air changes per hour (ACH) and liters per second per person (L/s/p), the model proposed by Issarow et al, and the Applied Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) TB transmission model. This study also aimed to determine the impact of model parameters on such probabilities in three Thai prisons. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 985 prison cells. The TB transmission probability for each cell was calculated using parameters relevant to the specific model formula, and the magnitude of the model agreement was examined by Spearman's rank correlation and Bland–Altman plot. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of each model parameter on the estimated probability. Results revealed that the median (Quartiles 1 and 3) of TB transmission probability among these cells was 0.052 (0.017, 0.180). Compared with the pioneered Wells–Riley's model, the remaining models projected discrepant TB transmission probability from less to more commensurate to the degree of model modification from the pioneered model as follows: Rudnick & Milton (ACH), Issarow et al., and Rudnick & Milton (L/s/p), and the applied SEIR models. The ventilation rate and number of infectious TB patients in each cell or zone had the greatest impact on the estimated TB transmission probability in most models. Additionally, the number of inmates in each cell, the area per person in square meters, and the inmate turnover rate were identified as high-impact parameters in the applied SEIR model. All stakeholders must urgently address these influential parameters to reduce TB transmission in prisons. Moreover, further studies are required to determine their relative validity in accurately predicting TB incidence in prison settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the gender-specific needs and human rights of incarcerated individuals, focusing on the experiences of women and gender minorities in prison systems. Historically, prisons have been designed primarily for male populations, resulting in systemic inadequacies in addressing the unique physical, psychological, and social needs of female and gender-diverse inmates. Through a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, this research aims to highlight the disparities in health care access, mental health support, and safety provisions within correctional facilities. Findings reveal that women in prison face distinct challenges, including higher rates of trauma, increased vulnerability to abuse, and inadequate reproductive health services. Furthermore, gender minorities experience compounded discrimination, often leading to isolation, harassment, and inadequate access to gender-affirming care. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing these gender-specific needs as fundamental human rights issues, advocating for policy reforms that prioritize the dignity, safety, and rehabilitation of all incarcerated individuals. This study explores the intersectionality of race, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation, demonstrating how these factors further complicate the experiences of marginalized populations within the prison system. Ultimately, the study calls for the implementation of gender-responsive strategies that incorporate human rights principles, ensuring that prisons are not only places of confinement but also environments that promote rehabilitation and respect for individual rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social reintegration relies on the support given to prisoners not only during their reentry into society but also throughout their imprisonment. Our goal was to analyze the expectations reported by cisgender and transgender women returning to society and of the justice and social welfare professionals from the Brazilian prison system. Methods: A qualitative analysis using saturation sampling was conducted. The participants were selected through a non-probabilistic sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in the management of the prison system and female former inmates. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an open and focused coding process. Textual data was stored, organized, and coded using Atlas software according to emerging themes. Results: The study involved 15 professionals and 13 female former inmates, five of them identified as transgender women. Among the professionals, the age range went from 38 to 65 years old; they reported a work history in their respective fields, from 10 to 35 years, with an equal distribution across genders. As for the female former inmates, their ages ranged from 24 to 42 years old, and the most reported crime was drug trafficking. Their incarceration time varied from 1 to 8 years. Female inmates were vulnerable to abuse and violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Women in situations of prior vulnerability faced additional challenges during their sentences. Transgender women were even more neglected and discriminated against by the system. Despite the professionals being aware and concerned about vulnerabilities and the need to improve the reintegration process, in general, they were not sensitive to the gender perspective. There were no specific policies able to support social integration for this public. Conclusions: Data showed multifaceted challenges faced by female former inmates within the Brazilian prison system, highlighting the insufficient policies for both cisgender and transgender women. Additionally, the results revealed a lack of sensitivity among professionals regarding gender issues and their particularities in the prison system and social reintegration. These findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and intersectional approach that addresses the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a chronic context of political crisis and violence (Antillano & Ávila, 2017; Antillano, 2023; Zubillaga & Llorens, 2023), Venezuela migration crisis of last years impacted on receptors countries such as Colombia and Perú (R4V, 2023). In particular, an exponential increase of foreign inmates in Peruvian prisons has triggered a renewed criminological discussion about migration and crime (Park et al., 1967; Brion, 1997). This article tackles an understudied aspect of this highly complex migration process: Venezuelans citizens facing pre-trial detention (74,5 %) or conviction sentences (25,5 %) in Peruvian prisons (INPE, 2024). Using a mixed methods approach we gathered statistics and conducted interviews of inmates and penitentiary agents to describe this new 'coexistence' in prisons. Furthermore, we discussed Venezuelan inmates' adaptation vis á vis Peruvian prison culture and whether criminal groups could expand or transplant their activities (Varese, 2011; Garzón & Olson, 2013) to receptors country such as Panamá, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and Chile. Thus, we argue that cultural importation dynamics take place at Peruvian prisons and, moreover, conflict emerged between two prison cultures and convict codes (one of them involving an inmate self-government background and the other familiarized with dialogued 'prison governance' schemes); these two different visions of 'what life in prison should be' struggle to impose their own ways to recreate conviviality and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Peru, the excessive increase in the prison population turns out to be one of the most complex problems faced by the State in the framework of its prison policies. The purpose of this research is to determine the factors that have influenced the increase in the prison population in Peru between 2007 and 2022. The methodology used is explanatory with a mixed approach, divided into two stages: first, literature review with qualitative analysis and a second stage of empirical analysis with a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional approach. The main result was the trend of increase in the prison population in Peru in the last fifteen years. At the conclusion level, it has been possible to determine that the most influential factors in the increase in the penitentiary population in Peru between the years 2007 and 2022 are the high rate difference between the admissions and discharges of inmates to penal establishments, the disproportionate increase in sentences that generate a longer stay in penitentiary establishments, the prohibition of extramural penitentiary benefits and the excessive use of preventive detention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the prosecutor breaches a plea bargain--e.g., by recommending prison instead of the agreed-upon probation--the defendant is entitled to a remedy: either sentencing in front of a different judge or plea withdrawal. However, if defense counsel objects to the breach, the prosecutor may halfheartedly change the recommendation to probation. Most courts have held that to be an effective "cure"--even when the judge then sentences the defendant to prison, as the prosecutor originally recommended. The right to cure, which was intended for commercial sates contracts, fails miserably in the plea-bargain context. In the above example, the attempted cure is too late, it fails to unring the bell of the earlier prison recommendation, and it violates the defendant's reasonable expectations under the plea deal. Further, when the judge dutifully sends the defendant to prison as the prosecutor originally recommended, it reeks of collusion and destroys the appearance of fairness. Most significantly, the cure doctrine creates a dilemma for the defense lawyer. If defense counsel does not object to the breach, the prosecutor will not be able to cure; therefore, if the judge sentences the defendant to prison, the defendant will receive a remedy on appeal--thanks to defense counsel's "ineffectiveness" in not objecting. Conversely, if defense counsel objects and the prosecutor "cures," the judge may still sentence the defendant to prison; however, the defendant will not receive a remedy--paradoxically, thanks to defense counsel's effectiveness" in objecting. This raises the question: Is ineffective the new effective? Perhaps, but intentional ineffectiveness carries risks for both defense counsel and the client. Therefore, this article develops an alternative response to prosecutorial breach that protects both the defense lawyer and the defendant, is highly efficient, and is undeniably fair--even to the breaching party that created the problem in the first place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eighth Amendment is meant to protect incarcerated individuals against harm from the state, including state inaction in the face of a known risk of harm. While the Eighth Amendment's protection prohibits certain prison disciplinary measures and conditions of confinement, the constitutional ambit should arguably encompass protection from the serious risk of harm of sexual assault, as well as a corollary to sexual violence: the likelihood of contracting a deadly sexually transmitted infection like HIV. Yet Eighth Amendment scholars frequently question the degree to which the constitutional provision actually protects incarcerated individuals. This Note draws on previous scholarship on cruel and unusual punishment and proposes a novel method for bringing an Eighth Amendment claim. This claim centers on advocating for access to preventative HIV medication in the form of a daily pill known as PrEP, utilizing a model litigant to ground the constitutional analysis and anticipate potential pitfalls. Through this novel claim, the Note joins the global movement to end the spread of HIV by protecting incarcerated communities from contracting the virus during their sentences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is dedicated to the study of an effective model formation of staff training in the penitentiary system. The role and importance of an effective model of professional training for the activities in the penitentiary system of Ukraine are determined. A comparative analysis is carried out according to the scientists' opinions on the definition of the concept of "professional competence". The place of professional training of penitentiary staff in the reform of the State Criminal and Executive Service of Ukraine is investigated. For a long period of time in the territory of modern Ukraine there has been a problem of uneducated penitentiary staff. In order to ensure the penitentiary staff acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills in modern Ukraine, an effective model of professional training of penitentiary staff has been constantly searched. The article pays special attention to the study of historical stages of formation of the training model of the penitentiary system staff in modern Ukraine. The author analyzes the current state of legal support for the staff training of the penitentiary system of Ukraine. The specialized educational institutions that provided training for the penitentiary staff of Ukraine during the XXth century and provide training, retraining and advanced training for the penitentiary staff of Ukraine in the XXIst century. The author characterizes the training model of the penitentiary system staff in the territory of modern Ukraine at each stage of its development. The importance of the selection of penitentiary staff for the formation of an effective model of professional training of penitentiary staff in Ukraine is revealed. The article examines the process of reforming the penitentiary system of Ukraine, in particular, the change in the structure of the penitentiary system of Ukraine and its impact on the formation of an effective model of staff training of the penitentiary system of Ukraine. The article considers the normative and legal acts that accompanied the process of reforming the penitentiary system of Ukraine, as well as their provisions on the professional training of penitentiary staff in Ukraine. The significance of the Strategy for Reforming the Penitentiary System for the period up to 2026 in the field of formation of an effective model for staff training of penitentiary bodies, institutions, pre-trial detention centers and prisoner of war camps of the penitentiary system of Ukraine. The main directions for improving the system of penitentiary staff training in Ukraine are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to develop evidence-based recommendations for the prevention of human trafficking. Policies for combating such crime, including international, criminological, criminal-legal, penitentiary, criminological, and operative-investigative policies, are analysed. A comprehensive system of scientific and special legal methods, including methods of synthesis and analysis, formal-logical and formal-legal methods, as well as comparative-legal methods, were used to conduct the research. The research results are aimed at improving the effectiveness of measures to combat human trafficking. The experience of the leading countries, such as the USA, Portugal, and Qatar in the context of interaction of law enforcement bodies of different countries in the sphere of combating human trafficking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work is to optimise the training of prison staff in Ukraine according to international standards. The aim was achieved through the use of analysis, comparison, consistency coefficient, coefficient of efficiency, Spearman coefficient. The authors found that orientation to the system of training prison staff in Sweden can be used to transform the Ukrainian training system (0.93). This contributed to the development of learning mechanisms that included a combination of organisational, social, and psychological principles; ensured the relationship between theoretical and practical training. The development of practical skills and digital competence was also taken into account. It was revealed that the respondents achieved professional competence (7.2) and acquired skills in learning theoretical material (6.8) while solving situational problems. Solving real situations primarily affected the development of professional competence (7.3) and psychological skills (7.0). The practical significance of the work is transforming the prison staff training system based on innovative approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper examines the problematic issues of countering the criminal subculture in the conditions of the penitentiary system of Kazakhstan. Currently, the administration of these institutions, various state bodies, and numerous public organisations are engaged in the rehabilitation of prisoners. Through joint efforts, it was possible to stop the wide spread of criminal ideology in places of detention. At the same time, a detailed study of the current situation shows that the criminal subculture, primarily the phenomenon of "code-bound thieves", still plays a certain role there, since it was formed over many decades of Soviet and post-Soviet history. In modern conditions, this phenomenon has been significantly transformed, but nevertheless, it seeks to strengthen its influence in the penitentiary system of Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment or the resocialization is the most important part of the prison sentence which methods can be individual and group. Motivated inmates and less resistance for the treatment are the main precondition for effective treatment. Appropriate behavior of personnel is the main factor for that result. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the most effective evidence based psychotherapy approach for offender population is a type for inmate treatment. CBT is a result of Aaron Beck pioneering work in the 1960s. CBT model is based on the triangle relationships between cognition, emotions and behavior. The cognition is defined as a product of the three levels: cognitive schemas, negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional thinking or thinking errors. The inventory of risk, need and strengths (IORNS), an risk assessment instrument, based on Risk, need and responsivity (RNR) model, was used for selection of (N=27) inmates and CBT treatment pilot program final evaluation, in Macedonian prison Bitola. The evaluation was done by comparing pre and post test measures in (N=12) male inmates, as optimal number for group psychotherapy treatment. According to the RNR model the treatment program needs to be oriented to the inmates needs. Implementing CBT treatment program for group psychotherapy and IORNS as short screening tool in Macedonian prisons was the aim of the project supported by the Council of Europe in this work. The results showed significant lower Procriminal attitudes but higher Aggression because of higher Aggressive behavior in the post measures. Results and instrument can be used in next CBT programs evaluations for better rehabilitation of prison inmates and reducing recidivism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence shows that well-being for mental health in prison is an important component of prison rehabilitation efforts—including notably lowering recidivism rates after release. While support for well-being initiatives in U.K. prisons has grown, few prison programs offer a health-promoting focus or invest in well-being interventions. Therefore, this study seeks to replicate and extend emerging data on an innate health intervention. Volunteers from HMP Nottingham (N =127) participated in normal prison programming. The intervention group (n =66) received an additional 3-day intensive. This study found higher levels of innate health, self-control, well-being, and prosocial behavior and lower levels of aggression within the intervention group and as compared with the control group. Next, we conducted a mediation analysis to test if innate health, self-control, and/or social desirability bias could explain these positive changes. Importantly, innate health did play a mediating role equivalent to and/or partnering with self-control, whereas social desirability bias did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Foro Revista de Derecho is the property of Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar, Sede Ecuador and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Foro Revista de Derecho is the property of Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar, Sede Ecuador and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: More than 50,000 older male veterans incarcerated in prisons are expected to return to their communities and utilize the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and community healthcare systems. To support the continuity of healthcare and overall successful community reentry of older incarcerated veterans, an understanding of their health profiles and treatment utilization while in correctional care is needed. Objective: To assess the health status of older male veterans incarcerated in state prisons and explore demographic, military, and VHA-related factors associated with medical conditions, disabilities, behavioral conditions, and medical and behavioral treatment utilization. Design/Participants: Cross-sectional observational study of 880 male veterans aged 50 + incarcerated in state prisons using data from the 2016 Bureau of Justice Statistics Survey of Prison Inmates. Main Measures: Veteran status, self-report health status, and treatment utilization since prison admission. Prevalence rates for conditions and treatment utilization were calculated. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of characteristics with conditions and treatment utilization. Key Results: Among the 880 older male veterans in state prisons, the majority reported having a current medical condition (79.3%) or disability (61.6%), almost half had history of a mental health condition (44.5%), and more than a quarter (29%) had a substance use disorder. Compared to White veterans, Black veterans were less likely to report a disability or mental health condition. Few demographic, military, and VA-related characteristics were associated with medical or behavioral conditions or treatment utilization. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the VHA and community healthcare systems need to be prepared to address medical and disability conditions among the majority of older male veterans who will be leaving prison and returning to their communities. Integrated medical and behavioral healthcare delivery models may be especially important for these veterans as many did not receive behavioral health treatment while in prison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]