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Mental and Physical Health Problems as Conditions of Ex-Prisoner Re-Entry

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  • Anna Pękala-Wojciechowska

    (Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland)

  • Andrzej Kacprzak

    (Department of Applied Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Pękala

    (Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 90-425 Lodz, Poland)

  • Marta Chomczyńska

    (Department of Forensic Sciences, Stanisław Staszic State University of Applied Sciences in Piła, 64-920 Piła, Poland)

  • Piotr Chomczyński

    (Department of Sociology of Art, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland)

  • Michał Marczak

    (Department of Management and Logistics in Healthcare, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

  • Remigiusz Kozłowski

    (Center of Security Technologies in Logistics, Faculty of Management, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland)

  • Dariusz Timler

    (Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland)

  • Anna Lipert

    (Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Ogonowska

    (Department of Management and Logistics in Healthcare, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

  • Paweł Rasmus

    (Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 90-425 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

The article focuses on a less-discussed issue of social marginalization of people leaving penitentiaries, which is the prevalence of multifaceted health problems experienced by people in this category. It includes poor health status, resulting from, among others, poor housing conditions, harmful or risky lifestyle, and lack of access to medical services. Data from the District Inspectorate of the Prison Service in Lodz, Poland on the health conditions of inmates was accessed. These data were supplemented by qualitative research conducted in 21 juvenile detention centers and 8 prisons across the country, conducting direct observations and In-Depth Interviews (IDI). A total of 198 IDIs were conducted with incarcerated (72) and released (30) juvenile offenders, and incarcerated (68) and released (28) adult offenders. These were complemented by IDIs with experts (50) and Focus Group Interviews (FGIs; 8) with male and female inmates in 4 Polish prisons. The study revealed that mental and physical health is a serious obstacle to social reintegration of ex-prisoners. It is rarely addressed by state institutions. There are strong associations between neglect of health issues in the prison population and increasing social exclusion after leaving prison. As Poland has a restrictive penal policy, former prisoners remain a group with social stigma and little support.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Pękala-Wojciechowska & Andrzej Kacprzak & Krzysztof Pękala & Marta Chomczyńska & Piotr Chomczyński & Michał Marczak & Remigiusz Kozłowski & Dariusz Timler & Anna Lipert & Agnieszka Ogonowska & Pa, 2021. "Mental and Physical Health Problems as Conditions of Ex-Prisoner Re-Entry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7642-:d:596574
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexander D. Love & Stuart A. Kinner & Jesse T. Young, 2017. "Social Environment and Hospitalisation after Release from Prison: A Prospective Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Joseph Murray & David P. Farrington & Ivana Sekol & Rikke F. Olsen, 2009. "Effects of parental imprisonment on child antisocial behaviour and mental health: a systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 5(1), pages 1-105.
    3. Woods, L.N. & Lanza, A.S. & Dyson, W. & Gordon, D.M., 2013. "The role of prevention in promoting continuity of health care in prisoner reentry initiatives," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(5), pages 830-838.
    4. Wickramasekera, Nyantara & Wright, Judy & Elsey, Helen & Murray, Jenni & Tubeuf, Sandy, 2015. "Cost of crime: A systematic review," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 43(3), pages 218-228.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ryan D. Talbert & Emma D. Macy, 2022. "Former Incarceration, Time Served, and Perceived Oral Health among African American Women and Men," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, October.

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