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Renal transplantation (Tx) improves mortality and morbidity but is limited by availability of suitable organs. Clinical and economic impact of a Tx program for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prisoners was evaluated. Wait list time and patient and organ survival rates were assessed. Twelve of the 104 ESRD prisoners at a prison dialysis unit were activated; 9 transplanted, 2 released active on the United Network for Organ Sharing list, and 1 died after listing. Kidneys from antibody-positive hepatitis C (HepC) donors were given to consenting HepC antibody-positive recipients. The average waiting period was 6.6 months for HepC-positive kidney recipients and 49.6 months for others. Compared with costs of continuing dialysis, Tx resulted in substantial savings. Patients with HepC experienced good graft and survival rates when given grafts from HepC donors, suggesting that transplantation is a viable, cost-effective option for the incarcerated patient with ESRD including those who have chronic HepC infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Estimate the prevalence and annual frequency of health risk indicators in young people serving community-based orders (CBOs) and custodial orders in the state of Victoria, Australia. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 242 young people serving CBOs and 273 serving custodial orders in Victoria in 2002–2003. Validated measures included the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for substance dependence, Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire for depression, and Psychosis Screening Questionnaire for psychosis symptoms. Prevalence estimates were adjusted for sampling bias and age- and sex-adjusted for between-group comparisons. Prevalence estimates were applied to 2010–2011 Victorian youth justice data to estimate annual frequencies at the state level. Results: The prevalence of substance dependence, poor mental health, and risky sexual behavior was high in both groups. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence estimates were generally higher among those serving custodial orders; however, extrapolating prevalence estimates to statewide youth justice data generally resulted in higher estimated annual frequencies among CBOs. For example, the estimated prevalence of any substance dependence was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60–72) in those serving custodial orders and 34% (95% CI, 26–42) in CBOs, but the estimated frequency of substance dependence in CBOs in 2010–2011 was 970 (95% CI, 750–1,180), compared with 490 (95% CI, 450–530) in those serving a custodial order. Conclusions: There is a compelling case for scaling up health services for young offenders in custody and in the community, and for routinely monitoring the health of young offenders serving custodial and community orders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Antisocial Process Screening Device-Self-Report (APSD-SR), the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI), and the YPI-Short Version (YPI-SV) in detained female adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. The proposed three-factor structure of the YPI and YPI-SV was replicated, whereas the proposed three-factor structure of the APSD-SR or alternate models did not yield adequate fit. Overall, reliability indices for the YPI and YPI-SV were higher than those reported for the APSD-SR. APSD-SR and YPI scales were positively related with each other, except the affective dimensions of the instruments. All questionnaires showed good criterion validity but the YPI's factor structure and reliability was superior to the APSD-SR. This superiority is not because of the larger number of items in the YPI, because we also demonstrated that the factor structure and reliability of the YPI-SV was better than that of the APSD-SR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conduct disorder (CD) is a heterogeneous diagnosis, leading researchers to initiate studies focused on neurobiological mechanisms underlying this disorder. One specifier of CD currently considered for inclusion in the DSM-V is callous-unemotional (CU) traits, a key component of psychopathy. CU traits are thought to have neuroendocrine underpinnings, yet little is known about hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and -gonadal (HPG) hormones in the context of psychopathic traits. The current study sought to identify daily coupling patterns between HPA and HPG hormones in order to clarify distinct neurobiological underpinning associated with psychopathic/CU traits. Fifty incarcerated adolescent males who met criteria for CD were recruited and provided 10 saliva samples across 2 days. Participants completed the Psychopathy Checklist Youth Version (PCL:YV) and Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) on a third day. Diurnal cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA functioning was modeled via hierarchical linear modeling. Psychopathy subscales from the measures administered were used as predictors of daily coupling patterns between these hormones. Results indicated all three hormones were tightly coupled. Further, higher PCL-YV interpersonal scores related to greater coupling between all three hormones, whereas higher ICU callousness scores related to greater uncoupling of testosterone with cortisol and DHEA. The current study is novel in its emphasis on testing the coupling of HPA and HPG hormones among incarcerated adolescent males. Results suggest that affective and interpersonal psychopathic traits are marked by unique HPA- and HPG coupling. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 448-458, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We examined the experiences of incarcerated adolescent males ( N = 29) who participated in a one-day meditation retreat and 10-week meditation programme. Method Self-report surveys assessing mindfulness, self-regulation, impulsivity and stress; behavioural assessments; and focus group data were examined. Results We observed significantly higher scores in self-regulation ( p = .012) and psychometric markers demonstrated psychological enhancement. No behavioural change was observed. Six themes emerged: enhanced well-being, increased self-discipline, increased social cohesiveness, expanded self-awareness, resistance to meditation and future meditation practice. Conclusions Early evidence suggests that meditation training for incarcerated youth is a feasible and promising intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose  Incarcerated patients represent a uniquely vulnerable population in the outpatient ophthalmology setting, and the reliability of follow-up in this group is undetermined. Methods  This was a retrospective, observational chart review of consecutive incarcerated patients evaluated at the ophthalmology clinic of a single academic medical center between July 2012 and September 2016. For each encounter the following were recorded: patient age, gender, incarcerated status at the time of encounter (a subset of patients had encounters before/after incarceration), interventions performed, follow-up interval requested, urgency of follow-up, and actual time to subsequent follow-up. Primary outcome measures were no-show rate and timeliness, which was defined as follow-up within 1.5× the requested period. Results  There were 489 patients included during the study period, representing a total of 2,014 clinical encounters. Of the 489 patients, 189 (38.7%) were seen once. Of the remaining 300 patients with more than one encounter, 184 (61.3%) ultimately did not return and only 24 (8%) were always on time for every encounter. Of 1,747 encounters with specific follow-up requested, 1,072 were considered timely (61.3%). Factors significantly associated with subsequent loss to follow-up include whether a procedure was performed ( p  < 0.0001), urgency of follow-up ( p  < 0.0001), incarcerated status ( p  = 0.0408), and whether follow-up was requested ( p  < 0.0001). Conclusion  Almost two-thirds of incarcerated patients in our population requiring repeat examination were lost to follow-up, particularly those who underwent an intervention or required more urgent follow-up. Patients entering and exiting the penal system were less likely to follow-up while incarcerated. Further work is needed to understand how these gaps compare to those in the general population and to identify means of improving these outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Introduction: From 85348 inmates in England and Wales, over 26,000 incidents of assault and 40,000 of self-harm were reported from within prisons in 2016. This study focuses primarily on burn injuries in prison, determining the predominant aetiology as well as clinical outcomes of these injuries., Methods: Data was retrieved retrospectively and a case series performed, including all burns referred from regional prisons to our centre from 2007 to 2017 and comprising patient demographics, mechanism of injury, total body surface area affected, management, and outcome. Cost analysis of care was conducted using a previously published framework., Results: 18 cases from three regional prisons were recorded, with 67% from a single prison. Referrals rose exponentially over time, with 44% occurring in 2017. 94% were scald burns, and 56% secondary to assault, primarily through the use of kettles and mostly targeting the face and trunk. The mean TBSA of burn was 2.89% (<1-8%), and 80% received first aid. 72.2% were admitted to hospital for an average of 4 days. All burns were managed nonoperatively with dressings and underwent on average 2 outpatient reviews (1-8)., Discussion: The disproportionate spread of referrals across the prisons correlates partly with the respective populations, but may also represent contrasting medical provisions. The recurring method of assault reflects the relative ease of access to hot water as a harmful agent, predominantly presenting with scalds affecting more critical areas, and with concurrent physical trauma in nearly half of cases which presents management challenges., Conclusion: Targeted education is recommended to reduce the incidence and ensure adequate management of burns in prison, referrals for which are demonstrably rising. Accordingly, the Burns Outreach team can provide training to in-house prison health staff and review referrals to specialist Burns services, aiming to ensure equitable care while alleviating costs associated with transfer to and management in hospital., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.)

An estimated 5% of women in jails are pregnant, and human rights groups and researchers have collected evidence that these women often receive poor care and are neglected. One solution is to provide contraceptive care to incarcerated women who would like to avoid pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Static-99R has been found to be a robust measure of long-term risk to reoffend among adult male sex offenders, few studies have investigated the relationship between Static-99R scores and institutional (i.e., prison) behavior. The current study sought to address this gap in the research by testing the ability of the Static-99 and Static-99R to predict five types of institutional misconduct: (a) sexual, (b) violent (nonsexual), (c) nonviolent (nonsexual), (d) drug-related, and (e) any nonsexual. Results indicate that the Static-99/99R may be useful as predictors of institutional misconduct and, therefore, as a risk classification measure for prisons to protect both staff and inmates and improve institutional environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inguinal herniae are a common pathology found in both paediatric and adult populations. The presence of bowel in the hernia sac is anticipated; however, occasionally other structures may be found within the sac. We describe a case of a leiomyoma that had undergone red degeneration in the inguinal canal of a 26-week pregnant female. With this case report, we hope to expand the diagnostic paradigm in the setting of a painful swelling in the inguinal canal of a pregnant female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: Using laparoscopic methods for incarcerated scrotal hernias is controversial because of the perceived technical difficulties in treating such hernias. Herein, we present our experience with laparoscopic repair of such hernias. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was undertaken to evaluate our experience with laparoscopic transabdominal approach and its modification for incarcerated hernias over a 3-year period. Two laparoscopic techniques were used for the repair of such hernias. The first technique, an exploratory laparoscopy, was performed to inspect the content of the hernia. This was followed by gentle retraction of the hernial content into the abdominal cavity and performing a standard transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. If the hernia was not reducible, then a second technique involving a paramedian scrotal incision was performed. The sac was isolated, opened, and its contents were examined. If the bowel was encountered, it was reduced into the peritoneal cavity. However, if it was the omentum, it was excised. Following ligation of the scrotal sac and re-insufflation of the abdomen, a standard TAPP ensued. Results: A total of 20 male patients with incarcerated scrotal hernia underwent laparoscopic TAPP repair (mean age: 48 years). Six had scrotal incision. Surgical site or mesh infection was not observed in any of the cases. Likewise, no recurrence after a mean follow-up of 22 months was encountered. Conclusion: Using the above modifications, we were able to perform laparoscopic repair of large incarcerated scrotal hernias, which previously would have been treated with an open procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on a study related to prisoner health and the management of specific conditions affecting incarcerated persons. It mentions the insufficiency of date pertaining to the specific urological needs of prisoners, noting that no study has recorded the effect of prison referrals on a department of urology. Several challenges in managing incarcerated persons are discussed such as confidentiality and security issues.

Aims: We sought to gather experts' perspectives on Medicaid coverage gaps during reentry to identify high-yield policy solutions to improve the health of justice-involved individuals in the United States., Subject and Methods: We interviewed 28 experts at the intersection of Medicaid and criminal justice via telephone between November 2018 and April 2019. Interviewees included Medicaid administrators, health and justice officials, policy makers, and health policy researchers. We performed thematic analysis of semi-structured interview transcripts to identify emergent themes and distill policy recommendations., Results: Three themes emerged: 1) Medicaid coverage gaps during reentry contribute to poor health outcomes and recidivism, 2) Excessive burden on justice-involved people to re-activate Medicaid leads to coverage gaps, and 3) Scalable policy solutions exist to eliminate Medicaid coverage gaps during reentry. Policy recommendations centered on ending the federal "inmate exclusion," delaying Medicaid de-activation at intake, and promoting re-activation by reentry. Experts viewed coverage gaps as problematic, viewed current approaches as inefficient and burdensome to families and systems, and recommended several policy solutions., Conclusion: By pursuing strategies to eliminate Medicaid gaps during reentry, policymakers can improve health outcomes and efficiency of government spending on healthcare, and may reduce cycles of incarceration., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Nonthumb metacarpal (NTMC) fractures are common in the incarcerated and the underinsured civilian populations. However, certain social challenges contribute to high rates of follow-up noncompliance and complications in these unique populations. We conducted a retrospective review of the treatments, outcomes, and complications in the incarcerated and civilian patient population who were treated at a tertiary public hospital for NTMC fractures. Even though incarcerated patients were more likely than their civilian counterparts to undergo operative interventions, both populations showed similar complication profiles as well as low rates of treatment compliance and follow-up. This article affirms that incarcerated individuals do not receive inferior care compared with civilians, and both the incarcerated and underinsured civilians would benefit from careful consideration of treatment algorithms and additional access to hand therapy.

Background: Incarcerated individuals have poor mental health compared to the general population. Social support has a beneficial effect on mental health. The buffering model proposes that social support facilitates coping under stressful conditions, while the main effects model suggests that belonging to social networks and having positive social interactions are beneficial for mental health. Prisons are a highly interesting context for studying social support, as imprisonment is perceived as stressful and disrupts social relationships and the availability of support. This study aims to explore incarcerated individuals' perceptions of social support from various sources in the transition from community to prison, its perceived significance for mental health, and the opportunities and barriers to accessing social support in a Norwegian prison context., Methods: The experiences of eight incarcerated individuals from a prison in Northern Norway were gathered through conducting individual in-depth interviews. The data analysis was inspired by Charmaz's version of Grounded Theory., Results: Social support from peers was perceived to be important for the well-being and preserving of mental health in prison. Support from informal sources outside prison and prison officers were not granted the same significance by the participants. Although prison life was perceived as stressful, social support in the form of companionship, the feeling of belonging, shared activities, and everyday conversations were more important for the participants than support focusing on coping with the stress of incarceration., Conclusions: Peers are perceived to be the most important source of social support, and vital for well-being and mental health in prison. Barriers to support from family, friends and prison officers may amplify the significance of support from peers., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The current literature has not yet provided a definitive conclusion on the best emergency groin hernia repair. The aim of this study was first to compare the short and long-term outcomes between open preperitoneal and anterior approach in emergency groin hernia repair and second to identify risk factors for postoperative complications, mortality, and recurrence. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent emergency groin hernia repair between January 2010 and December 2018. Short and long-term outcomes were analyzed comparing approach and repair techniques. The predictors of complications and mortality were investigated using multivariate logistic regression. Cox regression multivariate analysis were used to explore risk factors of recurrence. Results: A total of 316 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most widely used surgical techniques were open preperitoneal mesh repair (34%) and mesh plug (34%), followed by Lichtenstein (19%), plug and patch (7%) and tissue repair (6%). Open preperitoneal mesh repair was associated with lower rates of recurrence ( p = 0.02) and associated laparotomies ( p < 0.001). Complication and 90-day mortality rate was similar between the techniques. Multivariable analysis identified patients aged 75 years or older (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.14-3.80; p = 0.016) and preoperative bowel obstruction (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.20-3.70; p = 0.010) as risk factors for complications and Comprehensive Complication Index ≥26.2 as risk factor for 90-day mortality (OR, 44.76; 95% CI, 4.51-444.59; p = 0.01). Female gender was the only risk factor for recurrence. Conclusion: Open preperitoneal mesh repair may be superior to other techniques in the emergency setting, because it can avoid the morbidity of associated laparotomies, with a lower long-term recurrence rate., Competing Interests: ML-C has received honoraria for consultancy, lectures, support for travels and participation in review activities from BD-Bard, Medtronic and Gore. ML-C is the Editor-in-Chief of JAWS and declares that he did not participate in the management of the editorial process of the manuscript. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Rodrigues-Gonçalves, Verdaguer, Moratal, Blanco, Bravo-Salva, Pereira-Rodíguez and López-Cano.)

Introduction and Hypothesis: Our objective is to demonstrate a surgical approach to the treatment of incarcerated procidentia with obstructed ureters due to a pelvic mass., Methods: A 61-year-old woman presented with constipation, vaginal swelling, and difficulty voiding. On examination she had complete procidentia, which could not be reduced with gentle pressure. On imaging the prolapse appeared to contain a large pelvic mass measuring 11.5 cm in its greatest diameter, with features consistent with a mature teratoma. She was also noted to have bilateral ureteral obstruction and prominent hydronephrosis. After unsuccessful prolapse reduction under anesthesia, Bovie electrocautery was used to perform a posterior colpotomy. The obstructing mass was dissected away from the uterus and its connecting pedicle transected. The prolapse could then be reduced and a robotic hysterectomy performed., Results: Pathology showed multiple pelvic masses including an 8-cm necrotic cystic nodule most consistent with uterine fibroids and a 4.5-cm mature cystic teratoma with associated seromucinous cystadenoma of the left ovary. Bilateral nephrostomy tubes were placed postoperatively., Conclusion: Incarcerated procidentia is an uncommon occurrence, which in rare cases may be due to a pelvic mass. Surgical management may be required with colpotomy for removal of the pelvic mass in order to reduce the prolapse and resolve the case., (© 2022. The International Urogynecological Association.)

Abstract: A meta-analysis of 27 controlled studies, including 17,038 youth, was conducted to examine the effectiveness of institutional youth care over the past three decades. We compared institutional evidence-based treatment (EBT) with non-institutional EBT, institutional care as usual (CAU) with non-institutional CAU, institutional CAU with non-institutional EBT, and institutional EBT with institutional CAU. Only the last comparison yielded a significant and small-to-medium effect (d =.36), which not only shows that institutional youth care can be equally effective as non-institutional youth care, but also demonstrates that it seems more effective to provide youth with EBT during their stay in the institution. Furthermore, moderator analyses indicated that only cognitive behavior therapy showed a significant and medium effect (d =.50), whereas (social) skills training and care as usual showed no effect. Age, gender, type of outcome measure (delinquency, skills, problem behavior, and overall problems) and study design characteristics (randomized, matched or non-matched controls) did not influence the results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a review of the literature on child gender and gender-specific effects for children of incarcerated parents, the present paper examines what we do and do not know about gender-specific protective and risk factors for children of incarcerated parents. The nuanced effects of parental separation based on child gender are offered, drawn from secondary level girls in an all-female support group operated at a secondary school in Little Rock, Arkansas for the past six years. Other programs are examined that evidence gender-specific effects for boys and girls in those programs. A few basic statistical indices suggest that the gender of an adolescent separated from his or her incarcerated parents has differential impacts to be better studied and possibly considered in service programming. The results may enhance the outcomes for the girls, and perhaps the boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current study evaluated effects of an adapted version of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) on several psychosocial indices in a sample of incarcerated adult males with substance use disorders. Method: This study used a 2 (baseline vs post-session) × 2 (MBRP vs. treatment-as-usual (TAU) mixed design. Twenty-four incarcerated individuals with a history of substance abuse were randomly assigned to either MBRP or TAU. At pre- and post-session assessment points, participants completed the Drug Use Identification Disorders Test- Extended (DUDIT-E), the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASE) and positive//negative outcome expectancies (Ep//En). The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was completed in each weekly session of MBRP. MANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA examined changes between and within subjects, with the significant level set at 0.05. Results: No between-group differences were found on positive outcome expectancies or self-efficacy. Differences BDI-II scores among MBRP participants showed a downward trend over time. A Group × Time effect emerged for negative outcome expectancies, with significant differences between groups at post-course assessment. Conclusions: Results from this randomized trial suggest pre- to post-intervention trend-level effects of MBRP on depression, and significant group differences over time and at post-course on negative outcome expectancies, with the MBRP group reporting increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The development of laparoscopic hernia repair has provided an alternative approach to the management of incarcerated inguinal hernia in children. Different laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair have been described. However, we hereby review the role of laparoscopic hernia repair using the hook method in the emergency setting for incarcerated inguinal hernias in children. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all children who presented with incarcerated inguinal hernia and underwent laparoscopic hernia repair using the hook method in emergency setting between 2004 and 2010. Results: There were a total of 15 boys and 1 girl with a mean age of 30 ± 36 months (range, 4 months to 12 years). The hernia was successfully reduced after sedation in 7 children and after general anesthesia in 4 children. In 5 children, the hernia was reduced by a combined manual and laparoscopic-assisted approach. Emergency laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the hook method was performed after reduction of the hernia. The presence of preperitoneal fluid secondary to recent incarceration facilitated the dissection of the preperitoneal space by the hernia hook. All children underwent successful reduction and hernia repair. The median operative time was 37 minutes. There was no postoperative complication. The median hospital stay was 3 days. At a median follow-up of 40 months, there was no recurrence of the hernia or testicular atrophy. Conclusions: Emergency laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by the hook method is safe and feasible. Easier preperitoneal dissection was experienced, and repair of the contralateral patent processus vaginalis can be performed in the same setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes the case of an antegrade removal of an intramedullary Schneider nail through the knee of a 65 year old male after an unsuccessful attempt at retrograde extraction through a proximal insertional portal. It discusses the indications and contraindications for the procedure, the surgical technique employed in the case and post operative complications and management. A discussion on possible concerns for the future of the technique is also presented.

There is research that serves as evidence in favor of meditation-based programs as rehabilitative for incarcerated populations. This article reviews empirical research regarding the effects of meditation-based programs in correctional populations. Three meditation-based interventions have been shown to represent the majority of empirical research and are reviewed in this article: Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and 10-day Vipassana retreats. Selected dissertation research is reviewed as well. Overall, research suggests three areas in which meditation-based programs provide sufficient treatment to criminal offenders: the enhancement of psychological well-being, a decrease in substance use, and a decrease in recidivism. This suggests that meditation-based programs may be proper treatment programs and support rehabilitation for correctional populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

myand's hernia is a rare presentation of an appendix within an inguinal hernia sac. It is commonly mistaken for an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. Prompt diagnosis requires awareness of this entity, as well as associated radiologic findings on computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. Treatment includes antibiotics and surgical intervention involving appendectomy and hernia repair. We present a case of a premature infant who developed systemic symptoms after a circumcision and was eventually diagnosed with an Amyand's hernia with concurrent appendicitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a brief version of the Marijuana Effect Expectancy Questionnaire (MEEQ; Schafer & Brown, 1991). The original MEEQ was reduced to 6 items (MEEQ-B). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed and two factors were identified (positive effects and negative effects) accounting for 52.3% of the variance. Internal consistencies (0.42 to 0.60) were slightly lower than those of the original MEEQ. The negative effect expectancy scale correlated with criterion variables that assess marijuana use (p≤05). This measure is a helpful tool for clinicians to use when assessing youth expectancies. Replication across different samples of adjudicated youth is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant prisoners have health-care needs that are minimally met by prison systems. Many of these mothers have high-risk pregnancies due to the economic and social problems that led them to be incarcerated: poverty, lack of education, inadequate health care, and substance abuse. Lamaze educators and doulas have the opportunity to replicate model programs that provide these women and their children with support, information, and empowering affirmation that improve parenting outcomes and decrease recidivism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has established that both exposure to community violence and family functioning are predictive of various forms of psychological distress in adolescents. This study examined whether predictors in this area interact in such a way that the relation of community violence exposure to psychological distress in serious male juvenile offenders is moderated by caregiver-adult support and caregiver control. A heterogeneous sample of 116 male incarcerated adolescents (aged 12-18) was administered measures evaluating exposure to community violence, caregiver-adult support and control, and different forms of psychological distress. As expected, a significant caregiver-adult support by violence exposure interaction was found for alcohol/drug use and depression/anxiety. The implications of the findings for understanding and treating serious male juvenile offenders are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that attempts to suppress thoughts about using substances may actually lead to increases in substance use. Vipassana, a mindfulness meditation practice, emphasizes acceptance, rather than suppression, of unwanted thoughts. A study by Bowen and colleagues examining the effects of a Vipassana course on substance use in an incarcerated population showed significant reductions in substance use among the Vipassana group as compared to a treatment — usual control condition [Bowen S., Witkiewitz K., Dillworth T.M., Chawla N., Simpson T.L., Ostafin B.D., et al. (2006). Mindfulness Meditation and Substance Use in an Incarcerated Population. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.]. The current study further examines the mediating effects of thought suppression in the relationship between participation in the course and subsequent alcohol use. Those who participated in the course reported significant decreases in avoidance of thoughts when compared to controls. The decrease in avoidance partially mediated effects of the course on post-release alcohol use and consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on a study which has evaluated the effectiveness of a Vipassana meditation (VM) course, the Buddhist mindfulness-based practice, on substance use and psychosocial outcomes in an incarcerated population. Vipassana meditation provides an alternative for individuals who have not succeeded with traditional addiction treatments. Results indicate that after release from jail, VM participants showed an increase in positive psychosocial outcomes.

Abstract: Youth exiting detention facilities have particularly high rates of co-occurring health-risk behaviors, while lacking access to the health care system. Not surprisingly, these youth suffer a disproportionate share of adolescent morbidity and mortality. Their time of incarceration often represents their only significant contact with a health care provider outside of an emergency setting. As such, it is critical that health care providers utilize the opportunity to educate and connect these youth with community resources to facilitate their access to health care upon their reemergence into the community. We review the factors affecting the health of youth in detention, and the health problems that are among the greatest sources of morbidity and mortality in this adolescent population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Incarcerated mothers (n = 357) at a maximum-security prison participated in a study of the relationship between contact and parenting stress, using the parenting stress index for incarcerated women (PSI-IW; Houck & Loper, 2002). The study examined contact before incarceration and the frequency of telephone, letter, and visitation contact during incarceration, as well as stress related to attachment, parental competence, and visitation. Mothers who were responsible for their child's care before incarceration were more likely to write letters at least several times a week, speak with their child on the telephone at least once a week, and receive visits from their child at least four times a year. Results indicated that higher levels of contact between mothers and their children were associated with reduced levels of parenting stress. In particular, letter writing during incarceration was associated with increased attachment and improved sense of parental competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of a 10-year follow-up recidivism study of two sex offender treatment programs for incarcerated juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) in Virginia. The programs vary in environment and intensity. The more intense JSO program ("self-contained") operates in specialized living units that are separate from those of the general juvenile incarcerated population. In the less intense program ("prescriptive"), JSOs remain housed with the general population of juvenile offenders. Arrest and incarceration data through January 2003 were obtained for 261 male JSOs released between 1992 and 2001. The inclusion of adult incarceration data allowed for a more accurate assessment of the actual time at risk for sexual re-offending. Outcomes are re-arrest rates, length of time to re-arrest and type of offense (property, nonsexual assault, sexual) on re-arrest, with analyses using survival curve functions. For both groups, actual re-arrest is most likely to be for a nonsexual person offense (31 and 47%, respectively) and least likely to be for a sexual offense (<5% for both groups). Comparing the nonequivalent groups, the self-contained treatment group has a lower predicted re-arrest rate and a longer mean time to re-arrest, for all types of offenses, than the prescriptive treatment group. In addition, juveniles who indicate high levels of impulsive/antisocial behaviors are significantly more likely to recidivate compared to juveniles with low-levels of impulsive/antisocial behaviors, regardless of treatment type. This is the first 10-year follow-up study of treatment outcomes for a relatively large sample of males who were incarcerated for sexual offenses as juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incarcerated inguinal hernias have been considered a relative contraindication for endoscopic surgery, as its efficacy and safety is as yet unproven. With more experience and improved techniques, management of incarcerated hernias by the endoscopic approach has become possible with decreased patient discomfort and acceptable results.Aim and Objective: To analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal repair in incarcerated inguinal hernias.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 34 patients-admitted under a single surgical unit with chronically incarcerated inguinal hernias-who underwent an elective endoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair. The 6-year period studied was from May 1997 to May 2003. Demographic characteristics, operative details (including modifications in technique and use of drains) and postoperative outcome including analgesic requirements, hospital stay, complications, and time taken to resume normal activity, were evaluated. A comparison was made with the results of 286 endoscopic primary, non-incarcerated, unilateral endoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repairs done during the same period.Results: With the help of modified techniques for reduction of the hernial sac, all the patients underwent a successful TEP repair. There were no conversions. The mean operating time was 84.4 min compared to 57 min in the non-incarcerated group. Three-fourths of the patients could be discharged within 24 h. Analgesic requirement was for an average of 5.5 days (vs 4.2 days in the non-incarcerated group). Time taken to resume normal activity was 7.5 days (vs 5.6 days in the non-incarcerated group). Two recurrences occurred. Follow-up period ranged from 13 months to 84 months.Conclusions: With the help of modifications in operating technique, Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal repair is feasible and effective in patients with incarcerated inguinal hernias and encompasses the advantages of endoscopic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study that compares the risky sexual and drug use behaviors among a sample of 138 African American and Cuban American adolescent juvenile offenders. Subsequent to informed assent and parental consent, assessment measures were administered orally to facilitate accurate reporting, full completion, and to compensate for any difficulties in reading comprehension. Racial and ethnic disparities exist in HIV seroconversion rates, with African American and Hispanic youth in the 13-19-year-old age group representing 61 % and 21 % of new AIDS cases, respectively. Cuban American adolescents showed higher levels of unprotected sex, higher levels of sex while using drugs, and higher levels of drug/alcohol use in the three and six months prior to confinement. These differences may be explained by multiple factors, including differences in acculturation levels among the Cuban American adolescents, differences in health messages targeted at the two groups, and family mores and norms. This study was part of a larger U.S. NIH-funded HIV risk reduction intervention among an ethnically diverse sample of detained/confined adolescents in south Florida.

An anger therapy intervention was developed for incarcerated adult males. The therapy was an extension of cognitive-behavioral approaches, incorporating principles and practices drawn from Buddhist psychology. Adult males from a Midwestern low-security prison were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (n = 16) or a waiting list control group (n = 15). Following a 10-session intervention, treated participants exhibited significant reduction in anger relative to those in the control group. Greater reductions in anger for the therapy group was mediated (p = .07), by greater reduction in egotism relative to the control group. Contrary to predictions, anger reduction was not mediated by increases in empathy. Implications for designing and delivering interventions in prison settings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is generally accepted that most inguinal hernias should be operated on electively in order to avoid the high morbidity and mortality associated with incarceration and small bowel obstruction. The present study reassesses the indication for surgery in asymptomatic inguinal hernia patients.Methods: We analyzed profiles, separately, for elective and emergency inguinal herniorrhaphies and compared the morbidity and mortality rates.Results: Two hundred randomly selected elective hernia repairs were compared with 67 incarcerated cases. Postoperative complications were more common following emergency (23.9%) than elective repair (10.5%); however, in both groups, minor complications predominated. The mortality rate in the incarcerated group (6%) was clearly linked with a high preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. A bowel resection rate of 4.5% was found in the incarcerated cases, which was not correlated with mortality.Conclusions: Patients with asymptomatic inguinal hernia and unfavorable medical conditions should be recommended an elective repair, preferably under local anesthesia, to avoid the high mortality associated with an emergency operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]