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Can routine data from prisoners’ files be used to estimate prevalence rates of illicit drug use among prisoners?

Author

Listed:
  • Beatrice Annaheim

    (University of Basel)

  • Tenzin Wangmo

    (University of Basel)

  • Wiebke Bretschneider

    (University of Basel)

  • Marc Vogel

    (University of Basel Psychiatric Hospital)

  • Bernice S. Elger

    (University of Basel
    University of Geneva)

Abstract

Objectives The paper examines whether routine data from prisoners’ files is a useful basis to estimate prevalence rates of illicit drug use among prisoners. Methods Medico-legal files of 190 younger (20–49 years) and 190 older (50–75 years) male prisoners from 13 prisons in Switzerland were analysed. Indications of illicit drug use were extracted based on recorded legal measures, notes from health care professionals, diagnoses related to the use of illicit substances, prescribed medications, other treatment indicators, and results from mandatory drug tests in prison. Results Estimated lifetime prevalence of illicit drug use based on those indicators is 50.0% for younger and 24.2% for older prisoners. Current cannabis use is an estimated 10.0% and current cocaine, opioids, or other drug use 4.7% for younger prisoners. Among older prisoners, prevalence of current cannabis use is an estimated 3.2% and of other drug use 0.5%. Conclusions The paper concludes that analysing routine data is a reasonable alternative to surveys if prisoners’ files are kept more complete and concise and if data is collected for no other purpose than to benefit prisoners’ health.

Suggested Citation

  • Beatrice Annaheim & Tenzin Wangmo & Wiebke Bretschneider & Marc Vogel & Bernice S. Elger, 2018. "Can routine data from prisoners’ files be used to estimate prevalence rates of illicit drug use among prisoners?," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 63(1), pages 33-40, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:63:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s00038-017-1030-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-1030-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bernice Elger & Catherine Geohring & Sylvie Revaz & Alfredo Morabia, 2002. "Prescription of hypnotics and tranquilisers at the Geneva prison's outpatient service in comparison to an urban outpatient medical service," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 47(1), pages 39-43, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lester Darryl Geneviève & Andrea Martani & Maria Christina Mallet & Tenzin Wangmo & Bernice Simone Elger, 2019. "Factors influencing harmonized health data collection, sharing and linkage in Denmark and Switzerland: A systematic review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(12), pages 1-44, December.

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