Lindquist C H, Lindquist C A
Department of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA.
J Community Health. 1999 Aug;24(4):285-303. doi: 10.1023/a:1018794305843.
Jail and prison inmates experience disproportionately high levels of chronic and acute physical health problems, resulting in increased utilization of health services in correctional institutions. Variations in both health status and health care utilization are likely, although several important factors have been under-researched. Gender, in particular, is presumed to influence health outcomes and use of medical care in correctional facilities. The current study explores the physical health status of a systematic sample of 198 male and female inmates incarcerated in a large county jail located in a medium-sized Southern city. Using multiple regression analysis, predictors of physical health status, utilization of medical care, and inmates' evaluations of the accessibility and quality of health care are identified. The results indicate that gender and age are the most consistent demographic predictors of health status and medical care utilization, with females and older inmates reporting higher morbidity and concomitantly higher numbers of medical encounters. The experience of incarceration also appears to influence the physical health of inmates, as self-reported health problems increase with inmates' duration of incarceration. Evaluations of jail medical care differ significantly by gender, with female inmates reporting more difficulty accessing health services, yet higher satisfaction with the quality of services received. The results suggest a need for medical care in correctional settings to adapt to the medical needs of older inmates and women, in addition to improving treatment for chronic conditions and preventive services.
监狱囚犯面临着比例过高的慢性和急性身体健康问题，这导致惩教机构的医疗服务利用率增加。尽管有几个重要因素尚未得到充分研究，但健康状况和医疗服务利用情况可能存在差异。特别是性别，被认为会影响惩教机构中的健康结果和医疗服务的使用。本研究探讨了在一个位于美国南部中型城市的大型县监狱中被监禁的198名男性和女性囚犯的系统样本的身体健康状况。通过多元回归分析，确定了身体健康状况、医疗服务利用情况以及囚犯对医疗服务可及性和质量评价的预测因素。结果表明，性别和年龄是健康状况和医疗服务利用情况最一致的人口统计学预测因素，女性和年长囚犯报告的发病率更高，同时医疗就诊次数也更多。监禁经历似乎也会影响囚犯的身体健康，因为自我报告的健康问题会随着囚犯监禁时间的延长而增加。对监狱医疗服务的评价因性别而异，女性囚犯报告获得医疗服务的难度更大，但对所接受服务质量的满意度更高。结果表明，除了改善慢性病治疗和预防服务外，惩教机构的医疗服务需要适应年长囚犯和女性的医疗需求。
