Historia de los Servicios de Salud Penitenciarios en Costa Rica / History of Prison Health Services in Costa Rica

La historia de los servicios médicos penitenciarios se remonta hace aproximadamente medio siglo, en la extinta Penitenciaria Nacional, donde al igual que, durante mucho tiempo estuvo a cargo de personeros de la Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS). No es, hasta que al finalizar la década de los 80's, con el cierre del centro penal ubicado en la Isla San Lucas, se logra concretar la creación de plazas de salud propias del Ministerio de Justicia y Paz (MJP). En 1993 se logra el primer convenio interinstitucional entre la CCSS y el MJP, actualizado en 1998, el cual aún se encuentra refrendado por la Procuraduría General de la República. Actualmente, el MJP cuenta con 87 plazas asignas a puestos relacionados con servicios de salud a lo largo y ancho del territorio costarricense.

The history of prison medical services goes back approximately half a century, in the now extinct National Penitentiary, where, for a long time, it was in charge of representatives of CCSS. It is not, until at the end of the 80's, with the closure of the penal center located on San Lucas Island, the creation of health centers belonging to the Ministerio de Justicia y Paz (MJP) is achieved. In 1993, the first inter-institutional agreement between the CCSS and the MJP was reached, updated in 1998, which is still endorsed by the Attorney General's Office. Currently, the MJP has 87 positions assigned to positions related to health services throughout the Costa Rican territory.

Prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en las personas privadas de la libertad en Costa Rica / Prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases in persons deprived of liberty in Costa Rica

Mediante un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y de corte transversal se realiza una comparación entre la población penal de la Unidad de Atención Integral (UAI) 20 de diciembre y la población penal total costarricense. Hasta no hace mucho tiempo, en el ámbito penitenciario se ha experimentado un cambio importante en la morbimortalidad de las personas privadas de la libertad, pasando de un modelo casi unicausal de origen infeccioso, a procesos de etiología múltiple, con desarrollo poco predecible y alto porcentaje del gasto público sanitario. En el siguiente estudio se determina la similitud existente en prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles tanto a nivel país, sistema penitenciario nacional y UAI 20 de diciembre.

Through a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, a comparison is made between the prison population of the Unidad de Atención Integral (UAI) 20 de diciembre and the total Costa Rican prison population. Until recently, there has been an important change in the morbimortality of persons deprived of liberty in the penitentiary environment, going from an almost unicausal model of infectious origin, to processes of multiple etiology, with little predictable development and a high percentage of public health expenditure. The following study determines the existing similarity in the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases at the country level, the national prison system and the UAI December 20.

Differences in HCV Seroprevalence, Clinical Features, and Treatment Outcomes between Female and Male Incarcerated Population: Results from a Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Women represent less than 5% of the incarcerated population in Italy, with very limited data on HCV infection. Higher HCV seroprevalence and active infection rates have been described among incarcerated females in available studies. Our aim is to compare the prevalence and cascade of care of HCV between male and female populations in Italian penitentiaries. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study comparing HCV seroprevalence, active infections, treatment, and SVR rates between female (Group A) and male (Group B) populations in Italian prison settings. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding PWIDs (p = 0.16), nor in people living with HIV (p = 0.35) or HBV co-infection (p = 0.36). HCV seroprevalence was higher in Group A (p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding active infections (p = 0.41). Both groups showed a low level of fibrosis, and the dominant genotype was 3a. Almost all patients underwent antiviral treatment. All treated patients achieved SVR12. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illuminate the importance of recognizing and addressing gender differences in HCV seroprevalence within penitentiary settings. Moving forward, addressing the unique needs of incarcerated females and optimizing HCV care for all incarcerated individuals are essential steps in the pursuit of achieving HCV micro-elimination goals.

Diagnóstico del acceso a servicios de salud gineco-obstetra de las mujeres internas en establecimientos penitenciarios del Perú

Introducción: Resulta trascendental estudiar el acceso a la salud en diversos campos y sobre todo en poblaciones en estado de vulnerabilidad. Las mujeres internas se consideran un grupo de población especial, el aumento sostenido de la población penitenciaria, a nivel local y mundial, y el hecho de que los problemas de salud de las personas privadas de libertad suelen ser de mayor prevalencia que la de la población general, plantea la necesidad y el desafío de diseñar y establecer estrategias especiales en referencia a los modelos de atención necesarios para llevar a cabo las tareas de atención, prevención y promoción de la salud dentro de los establecimientos penitenciarios. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue diagnosticar el acceso a los servicios de la salud gineco-obstetra en los establecimientos penitenciarios del Perú durante el año 2021. Metodología: El estudio tiene carácter descriptivo, transversal, se realizó en el ámbito penitenciario y abarca todos los establecimientos penitenciarios de las regiones del Perú con población penitenciaria femenina distribuidas en el territorio peruano durante el año 2021. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó la técnica documental de fuente secundaria, el instrumento en el cual se registró la información recogida fue la ficha documental. Resultados: Se encontró que, de 13 establecimientos penitenciarios de mujeres y 31 pabellones de mujeres, solo 15 (34,09 %) cuentan con servicio gineco-obstetra, mientras que 29 (65,91 %) no cuentan con servicio gineco-obstetra. Del total de la población penitenciaria estudiada (4360) internas, no todas recibieron al menos una atención gineco-obstetra durante el año 2021 Discusión: El acceso a los servicios gineco-obstetras en la población penitenciaria de mujeres del Perú se muestra restringida, colocando en situación de vulnerabilidad a las mujeres privadas de su libertad.

Introduction: It is transcendental to study access to health in various fields and especially in populations in a state of vulnerability. Women inmates are considered a special population group, the sustained increase in the prison population, locally and globally, and the fact that the health problems of persons deprived of liberty tend to be more prevalent than that of the population in general, it raises the need and the challenge of designing and establishing special strategies in reference to the care models necessary to carry out the tasks of care, prevention, and health promotion within prisons. Objective: The objective of the study was to detect access to gynecologist-obstetric health services in penitentiary establishments in Peru during the year 2021. Methods: The study is descriptive, cross, was carried out in the penitentiary setting and covers all the penitentiary establishments in the regions of Peru with a female penitentiary population distributed throughout the Peruvian territory during the year 2021. For data collection, the secondary source documentary technique, the instrument in which the information collected was lost was the documentary file. Results: It was found that 13 women's prisons and 31 women's pavilions, of which only 15 (34.09%) have gynecologist-obstetric service, while 29 (35.91%) do not have gynecologist-obstetric service. Of the total prison population studied, 4,360 inmates, not all of them received at least one gynecologist-obstetrician care during the year 2021. Discussion: Access to gynecologist-obstetric services in the women's prison population in Peru is restricted, placing women deprived of their liberty in a situation of vulnerability.

Technology-Enabled Intervention to Enhance Mindfulness, Safety, and Health Promotion Among Corrections Professionals: Protocol for a Prospective Quasi-Experimental Trial.

BACKGROUND: Correction professionals are a highly stressed workforce with heightened risks for depression, suicide, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and injury. These professionals, largely hidden from view, have received little study concerning means to improve their safety, health, and well-being. In other settings, mindfulness has resulted in lowered stress, along with other benefits. We hypothesized that a program that promoted mindfulness combined with more typical health and safety components could uniquely benefit corrections professionals. OBJECTIVE: This project will assess a novel scalable, self-administered program to enhance the mindfulness, safety, and health of a vulnerable worker group. METHODS: In partnership with the Oregon Department of Corrections, we are conducting a prospective quasi-experimental trial of a safety, health, and mindfulness program among 100 corrections professionals from 2 institutions. Survey and physiologic data will be collected at enrollment, upon weekly program completion (3 months), and at 9 months after enrollment. Primary outcome behaviors promoted by the program are being mindful, healthier eating, more physical activity, and greater restorative sleep. Secondary downstream benefits are anticipated in stress level, mood, positive feelings about the organization, vascular health, and cellular aging, along with job performance, injuries, and economic costs. Participants will meet in-person or in a Zoom-type meeting as 3- to 5-member coworker groups during their usual work hours for 30-minute sessions once a week for 12 weeks. The program uses self-guided web-based learning modules that include brief mindfulness practice, and it is accessible by smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Daily mindfulness practice is encouraged between sessions, which is facilitated by the study website and group format. The modules' structure emphasizes prerequisite knowledge, peer support, skill practice, self-monitoring, and enhancing self-efficacy for change. The program continues through self-directed use of the Headspace app following the 12 weekly sessions. RESULTS: Participants are being enrolled, and the intervention is ready to launch. CONCLUSIONS: Although mindfulness training has gained traction for worker well-being, its usual format requires a skilled trainer, an initial retreat, and weekly 2-hour meetings for several weeks. The content is limited to mindfulness without safety or health promotion aspects. The need for skilled trainers and time commitment limits the scalability of the usual mindfulness interventions. The planned program is an innovative combination of technology, e-learning, and a group format to add mindfulness to a safety and health curriculum. If acceptable and effective, the format would facilitate its widespread use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05608889; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05608889. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/45535.

Characteristic of a Female Recidivist: Qualitative Empirical Analysis (View from Ukraine).

The article provides the characteristic of a female recidivist through a qualitative empirical analysis of socio-demographic, criminal-legal, and criminal-executive features of convicted women serving their sentences in the Chernihiv Correctional Institution No. 44 by conducting an anonymous survey of 123 female recidivists. The characteristic features inherent to female recidivists have been identified and generalized and, on this basis, a typical characteristic of such persons has been worked out based on the analysis of results of the survey of convicted women. This category is mostly represented by middle-aged people from 36 to 48 years. This person has a secondary or secondary special, vocational education, is unmarried, without stable socially useful ties, and the existing family ties have deteriorated after being sentenced to imprisonment, and by occupation she has a predominantly working specialty. She is serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term mainly from 2 to 5 years for middle grave crimes, has 3 to 4 convictions, which indicates her extensive criminal experience.

Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Implications for Conducting Nutrition/Health Research in Canadian Federal Correctional Facilities.

While conducting nutrition/health research into weight changes during incarceration and related determinants, it became apparent that the correctional setting in Canada was unique and required study design modifications to ensure study success. Consequently, we made many methodological adjustments during recruitment and data collection because of unforeseen challenges in the correctional context. This paper provides an illustrative example and shares insights on the challenges faced when conducting nutrition/health research in Canadian correctional facilities. Guidance on how to adapt research methods to make them more conducive to this unique environment is provided. This paper also highlights the importance of conducting nutrition/health research in this setting, especially given the lack of this type of research and the need for more evidence-based data to guide health promotion and nutritional interventions in Canadian correctional facilities.

Assistência farmacêutica prisional paraense: fatores determinantes ao acesso aos medicamentos e ao direito à saúde / Prison pharmaceutical care in the State of Pará, Brazil: determining factors for access to medicines and the right to health

Resumo O acesso integral à saúde é um problema global. Estima-se, que um terço da população não tenha acesso regular aos medicamentos essenciais. A Pessoa Privada de Liberdade (PPL) é uma das que apresenta situações de iniquidades de acesso. Diante da singularidade do sistema penitenciário, esta pesquisa objetivou identificar os fatores determinantes no acesso aos medicamentos disponibilizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para a PPL paraense. Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada, exploratória, qualitativa, realizada no período de agosto de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020, utilizando-se, também do framework APOTECA. Evidenciou-se na análise do framework APOTECA que fatores técnicos, políticos e administrativos são identificados como principais barreiras na garantia ao acesso equânime aos medicamentos disponibilizados pelo SUS para a PPL paraense. A privação de liberdade, vulnerabilidade social e outros fatores inerentes a realidade carcerária dificultam a efetivação do direito à saúde das PPL, sendo que diversos desafios devem ser superados quanto a garantia ao acesso equânime aos medicamentos.

Abstract Comprehensive access to health is a global issue. One-third of the population does not have regular access to essential medicines. People Deprived of Liberty (PDL) are one of those people in a situation of unequal access. Given the uniqueness of the penitentiary system, this research aimed to identify the determining factors in the access to medicines made available by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) for the PDLs in Pará, Brazil. The applied, exploratory, qualitative research was conducted from August 2019 to February 2020 using the APOTECA framework. The APOTECA framework analysis revealed that technical, political, and administrative factors are the main hurdles to guaranteeing equal access to medicines made available by the SUS for the PDLs in Pará. The deprivation of liberty, social vulnerability, and other factors inherent to the prison reality hinder the implementation of PDLs' right to health, and several challenges must be overcome to secure equal access to medicines.

Saúde mental de agentes penitenciários, relacionada ao ambiente de trabalho / Mental health of penitentiary agents, related to the working environment

Este artigo pretende analisar a atuação dos agentes de segurança penitenciária, principalmente no que se refere à saúde mental dentro do ambiente de trabalho. Para isso, utilizamos o referencial foucaultiano com o intuito de contextualizar o ambiente do sistema carcerário, utilizamos também a psicodinâmica do trabalho para apresentar questões acerca do sofrimento e do estresse nesse ambiente. Nesse sentido, buscamos colocar em evidência a invisibilidade que ocorre pela forma gerencial das prisões, fechadas e hierarquizadas, bem como pelo sofrimento advindo do preconceito e exclusão dentro da sociedade. Sendo assim, a relevância deste trabalho se dá devido ao fato de existirem poucos estudos sobre a temática e, diante disso, surge a preocupação em trazer mais visibilidade a ela, evidenciando as mazelas dessa classe profissional e proporcionar a reflexão sobre o assunto. Ademais, as condições laborais dos agentes de segurança penitenciária demandam a criação de projetos e estratégias mais eficazes para lidar com o seu cotidiano, bem como promover a diminuição do estresse e mais qualidade de vida para os trabalhadores.

This article intends to analyze the performance of prison security agents, mainly regarding mental health within the working environment. For this, the Foucauldian framework was used to contextualize the environment of the prison system, work psychodynamics was also used to present matter about suffering and stress in this environment. In this sense, we sought to highlight the invisibility that occurs due to the managerial form of prisons, closed and hierarchical, as well as the suffering resulting from prejudice and exclusion within society. Therefore, the relevance of this work is due to the fact that there are few studies on the subject and, in view of that, there is a concern to bring more visibility to it, highlighting the problems of this professional class and providing reflection on the topic. Furthermore, the working conditions of prison security agents demand the creation of more effective projects and strategies to deal with their daily lives, as well as promoting a reduction in stress and a better quality of life for workers.

Factors contributing to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistance/Rifampicin-resistance in patients with tuberculosis: an epidemiological cross sectional and qualitative study from Khabarovsk krai region of Russia.

BACKGROUND: Growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant/Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB; resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin/Isolated resistance to Rifampicin) is putting in jeopardy the WHO End TB strategy. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the high prevalence of MDR/RR-TB in Khabarovsk krai region of Russia. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, analyzing clinical, demographic, and drug susceptibility testing data on 1440 patients. As a source of raw data, the national electronic TB surveillance system was used. Anonymous data was collected on every patient diagnosed with TB in all healthcare facilities of the region from January 2018 to December 2019. Only patients with proven excretion of m. tuberculosis were included in the study. Factors associated with MDR/RR-TB were identified through logistic regression analysis, in conjunction with in-depth interviews with eight patients, five healthcare managers and five doctors. FINDINGS: 2661 patients were identified with TB, 1440 were incorporated in the study based on inclusion criteria. Of these, 618 (42.9%) were identified with MDR/RR-TB. Patients with a history of imprisonment were 16.53 times (95% CI 5.37 to 50.88,) more likely to have MDR/RR-TB, whereas re-treatment patients were 2.82 times (95% CI 2.16 to 3.66) more likely to have MDR/RR-TB. Other influencing factors included presence of disability (AOR is 2.32, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.89), cavitary disease (AOR is 1.76, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.25), and retirement status (AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.98, p = 0.042). Poor patient knowledge and understanding of the disease, progressive weariness of prolonged TB treatment, and inability hospitalize infectious patients without their consent were perceived by the interviewees as major influencing factors. CONCLUSIONS: Incarceration and treatment history, regardless of outcome, were identified as major factors influencing MDR/RR-TB prevalence. It is essential for the TB care system to eliminate legal loopholes, which deprive doctors of means to enforce quarantine procedures and epidemiological surveillance on infected patients, former and current inmates. Increasing people's awareness of TB, early detection and appropriate treatment of patients with TB are needed for successfully combating MDR/RR-TB.

Louisiana State Penitentiary: A Textual Analysis of Correctional Staff Views on End-of-Life Care.

As prison-based hospice programs are slowly implemented across the United States, scarce attention has been devoted to the views of correctional staff who provide essential end-of-life care to dying incarcerated individuals. These professionals must maneuver their diverse responsibilities and emotional perspectives to deliver compassionate care to a marginalized population. A textual analysis of narratives of correctional staff participating in the hospice program at Louisiana State Penitentiary was incorporated to explore the transformative experiences resulting from staff members' collaboration with incarcerated volunteers to dispense hospice-based care for critically ill incarcerated individuals. Prevalent themes focus on provider identity, role satisfaction, bonds with incarcerated individuals, and achieving care mandates. Future research should further examine end-of-life care provider narratives to effectively address the unmet needs of dying incarcerated individuals.

Depopulation or vaccination? Tackling the COVID-19 crisis in prisons in Africa.

Several attempts have been made by the global public health efforts and national governments to contain the spread and vulnerabilities to COVID-19. Evidence, however, shows a disproportionate upsurge in COVID-19 cases in correctional facilities such as prisons, particularly, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive protocols in these settings has raised a serious "moral panic" among the public. There are public health concerns about the most effective and state-of-the-art approach to tackling the continuous spread of the virus in prisons. This paper discusses the feasibility of depopulation and vaccination rollouts in combating COVID-19 in correctional facilities with a particular focus on African prisons. The paper proposes selective and strategic depopulation of prisoners, effective prioritization of vaccination among prisoners, and general sensitization of prisoners toward vaccine disbursement in this total institution.

Health Management in Italian Prisons during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Focus on the Second and Third Wave.

The SARS-CoV-2 spread is a threatening and challenging issue for correctional systems worldwide because of many factors, particularly overcrowding and of the intrinsic characteristics of the population. The prevention measures adopted by the Italian Government were aimed to protect and preserve both inmates' and prison workers' health. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the adopted strategies. METHODS: Data regarding Italian prisons' occupation and prisoners' population from January 2019 to June 2021, as well as the cumulative weekly increase of confirmed cases and the number of doses of vaccine administered among the population of inmates, the prison workers, and Italian population from November 2020 to the end of June 2021, were collected. RESULTS: Prisons' occupation dropped from 120% to 106% after the beginning of the pandemics. The confirmed cases between inmates were consistently lower than among the Italian population and prison workers. A time-series chart showed a time lag of one week between the peaks of the different population. CONCLUSIONS: The containing strategies adopted by the Italian correctional system have proved their effectiveness in terms of the prevention and protection of both inmate and staff health.

El tratamiento de las personas con problemas de salud mental en la normativa penal y penitenciaria. Reflexiones y propuestas / The treatment of people with mental health problems in criminal and penitentiary regulations. Reflections and proposals

El presente trabajo analiza el tratamiento que la normativa penal y penitenciaria española ofrece a las personas con problemas de salud mental (o con discapacidad psicosocial) que son acusadas de un delito y entran en contacto con el medio penitenciario. El análisis revela que este colectivo es víctima de una discriminación y un maltrato institucional cuya erradicación exige cambios relevantes en la legislación, las políticas públicas y la mentalidad social, a la luz de la Convención Internacional sobre los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad. Estos cambios se orientan a cuatro objetivos básicos: 1) evitar situaciones de desatención que aboquen a las personas con problemas de salud mental a entrar en el ciclo delictivo; 2) potenciar su desviación del medio penitenciario hacia respuestas más resocializadoras; 3) garantizar que quienes entren en prisión puedan ejercer sus derechos en igualdad de condiciones que todas las personas internas; 4) erradicar prejuicios y estereotipos promoviendo la formación de profesionales y la toma de conciencia por parte de la sociedad de la situación de desventaja de este colectivo. (AU)

This paper analyzes the treatment that Spanish penal and penitentiary regulations offer to people with mental health problems (or with psychosocial disabilities) who are accused of a crime and come into contact with the penitentiary environment. The analysis reveals that this group is the victim of discrimination and institutional abuse, whose eradication requires significant changes in legislation, public policies and social mentality, in the light of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These changes are aimed at four basic objectives: 1) to avoid situations of neglect that lead people with mental health problems to enter the criminal cycle; 2) to enhance their diversion from the prison environment towards more resocializing responses; 3) to ensure that those who have to enter prison can exercise their rights on an equal basis with other inmates; 4) to eradicate prejudices and stereotypes by promoting the training of professionals and raising the awareness of society regarding the situation of disadvantage in this group. (AU)

Modelado dinámico del fenómeno criminal en Colombia para la toma de decisiones de política pública / Dynamic modeling of the criminal phenomenon in Colombia for public policy decision making / Modelagem dinâmica do fenômeno criminoso na Colômbia para decisões de política pública

El presente artículo se originó en la necesidad de entender el crimen como una problemática pública, que debe ser analizada a partir de una hipótesis causal que explique el fenómeno delictivo en Colombia con una perspectiva social con diferentes enfoques teóricos, con el fin de establecer líneas de acción para la toma de decisiones de política pública que contribuyan a su reducción. En la primera parte, se presenta la hipótesis causal propuesta y se desarrollan cada uno de sus componentes. Posteriormente, se desarrolla un análisis descriptivo de las denuncias por tipo de delito y de la población privada de la libertad, en la que se identifica las diferencias y las similitudes en las condiciones socioeconómicas para los delitos de mayor incidencia. Por último, se desarrolla un modelo de simulación continua y se analiza el resultado de posibles estrategias de política pública. El resultado obtenido reflejó la necesidad de diseñar políticas públicas pluralistas, que apunten a la solucionar las causas de raíz del fenómeno del crimen, en torno a la construcción social y a la reducción de la impunidad.

This article arose from the need to understand crime as a public problem, which should be analyzed on the basis of a causal hypothesis that explains the criminal phenomenon in Colombia from a social perspective with different theoretical approaches, in order to establish lines of action for public policy decisions that contribute to its reduction. In the first part, the proposed causal hypothesis is presented and each of its components is developed. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis of the reports by type of crime and of the population deprived of liberty is developed, identifying the differences and similarities in the socioeconomic conditions for the crimes with the highest incidence. Finally, a continuous simulation model is developed and the result of possible public policy strategies is analyzed. The result obtained reflected the need to design pluralistic public policies aimed at solving the root causes of the crime phenomenon, in terms of social construction and the reduction of impunity.

Este artigo surgiu da necessidade de entender o crime como um problema público, que deve ser analisado com base em uma hipótese causal que explique o fenômeno criminoso na Colômbia a partir de uma perspectiva social com diferentes abordagens teóricas, a fim de estabelecer linhas de ação para decisões de política pública que contribuam para sua redução. Na primeira parte, é apresentada a hipótese causal proposta e cada um de seus componentes é desenvolvido. Posteriormente, é desenvolvida uma análise descritiva dos relatórios por tipo de crime e da população privada de liberdade, identificando as diferenças e semelhanças nas condições sócio-econômicas para os crimes mais comuns. Finalmente, um modelo de simulação contínua é desenvolvido e o resultado de possíveis estratégias de políticas públicas é analisado. O resultado obtido reflete a necessidade de elaborar políticas públicas pluralistas que visem resolver as causas profundas do fenômeno do crime, em termos de construção social e de redução da impunidade.

Does In-Person Visiting Affect the Number of COVID-19 Cases in Prisons?

Even with the current advances that have been made in regard to COVID-19, such as a better understanding of the disease and the steady growth in the number of vaccinated individuals, it remains a challenge for humanity. Dealing with the disease in prison settings has been particularly difficult. This study sought to discover whether in-person visiting affected the number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the penitentiaries in the state of Sergipe (Brazil). We conducted a two-phase study (when visiting was suspended and after it recommenced) in seven penitentiaries in Sergipe using immunochromatography and nasopharyngeal swab testing to evaluate whether visiting affects the number of COVID-19 cases. In the first phase (n = 778), 57.6% of inmates reported risk factors and 32.5% were positive for COVID-19 (18.9% IgM, 24.2% IgG, 1% antigen). In the second phase, 19.6% tested positive (13.9% IgM, 7.9% IgG, 0.2% antigen). The occurrence of positive cases of COVID-19 and positive results (IgM and IgG) were significantly higher in the first phase. In the second phase, 56.7% of inmates had received visits and 18.7% were positive for COVID-19 (14% IgM, 7% IgG). Among those who had not received visits, 20.9% tested positive (13.8% IgM, 9.2% IgG, 0.5% antigen). There was no significant difference in positive cases/results between inmates that had and had not received visits. These findings suggest that, under the conditions assessed, visiting does not seem to affect the number of COVID-19 cases in prisons and reinforces the importance of sanitary measures to control dissemination.

Chronic Viral Hepatitis in the Italian Prison Setting: Prevalence, Outcomes, Literature Needs and Perspectives.

Compared with the general population, incarcerated people have a higher prevalence of several communicable diseases, including viral hepatitis. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of literature in field. Our review aims to shed the actual knowledge on viral hepatitis among incarcerated people in Italy. We performed a comprehensive literature search, through key electronic databases (Scopus, Pubmed-MEDLINE) and search engines (Google Scholar), of peer-reviewed publications (articles and reviews), grey literature on viral hepatitis prevalence, and models proposed for active case finding and control strategies in prison settings. We found that viral hepatitis epidemiology drastically changed in the last five years, particularly on hepatitis C virus (HCV), reporting an HCV antibody (HCV-Ab) prevalence decrease from up to 38% to ˂20% in penitentiary institutes, as well as an even more important reduction in active infections. Probably, the availability of direct-acting antivirals is contributing to this scenario. However, there is a lack of data available regarding incarcerated women. For this reason, more tailored interventions are needed for this sub-population. Judiciary and regulatory bodies should be prompted to discuss and define specific regulations to optimize case active finding strategies, guarantee wide access to effective preventive and treatment options for viral hepatitis and enhance treatment management.

Qualidade de vida relacionada ao ambiente ocupacional dos agentes penitenciários do estado do Maranhão / Quality of life related to the occupational environment of the state of Maranhão penitentiary offices

Objetivo: identificar o nível de qualidade de vida segundo o ambiente ocupacional das Unidades Prisionais. Método: Pesquisa transversal, qualitativa, não-probabilista, com 104 participantes, no Estado do Maranhão, entre junho de 2019 a julho de 2020. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes são do sexo masculino 84%, onde 63%, possuem ensino superior. O domínio qualidade de vida apresentou melhor média 54,7. Enquanto o domínio ambiente ocupacional apresentou a pior média 35,8. Quando realizada a comparação entre quais gêneros apresentaram os melhores escores nos 5 domínios, houve igualdades entre os dois gêneros. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram que os agentes penitenciários possuem bom nível de qualidade de vida em todos os domínios do QVS-80. Porém, o domínio ambiente ocupacional, apresentou os piores escores, demonstrando ser um ponto que necessita de melhorias, uma vez que estes servidores passam boa parte do tempo de suas vidas nestes locais.(AU)

Objective: to identify the level of quality of life according to the occupational environment of the Prison Units. Method: Cross-sectional, qualitative, non-probabilistic research, with 104 participants, in the State of Maranhão, between June 2019 and July 2020. Results: Most participants are 84% male, where 63% have higher education. The quality of life domain had a better average of 54,7. While the occupational environment domain had the worst average of 35,8. When comparing the genders with the best scores in the 5 domains, there was equality between the two genders. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that prison officers have a good level of quality of life in all domains of the QVS-80. However, the occupational environment domain had the worst scores, proving to be a point that needs improvement, since these servers spend a good part of their lives in these places.(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar el nível de calidad de vida acorde al ambiente ocupacional de las unidades penitenciarias. Método: Investigación transversal, cualitativa, no probabilística, com 104 participantes, em el estado de Maranhão, entre junio de 2019 y julio de 2020. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes son 84% hombres, donde el 63% tiene educación superior. El domínio de la calidad de vida tuvo um mejor promedio de 54,7. Mientras que el domínio del entorno ocupacional tuvo el pero promedio de 35,8. Al comparar qué géneros obtuvieron las mejores puntuaciones em los 5 dominios, hubo igualdad entre los dos géneros. Conclusión: Los resultados demuestran que los funcionários de prisiones tienen um buen nível de calidad de vida en todos los domínios del QVS-80. Sin embargo, el domínio de ambiente ocupacional uvo las peores puntuaciones, demostrando ser um punto que necesita mejora, ya que estos servidores pasan buena parte de sua vida em estos lugares.(AU)

The Prevalence of Generalised Anxiety Disorder Among Prisoners of the Penitentiary Institution in North-Eastern Poland.

Introduction: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental disorders. The psychosocial factors that may lead to generalised anxiety disorders include stress, traumatic events, conscious and unconscious internal conflicts, and low social and economic status. Imprisonment and forced isolation may favour the development of depression or anxiety disorders in inmates. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in the population of inmates detained in one of the largest penitentiary units in north-eastern Poland. Materials and Methods: The data comes from 2017 and includes information on 635 male inmates incarcerated at the Czerwony Bór Prison. The information comes from the health records of individual inmates, kept by the prison outpatient clinician, and documented consultations with doctors of units outside the prison. The classification of generalised anxiety disorders (F41.1) was made in accordance with the 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems and the clinical diagnosis made by a psychiatrist. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare quantitative data without normal distribution, chi-squared test or Fisher exact test for comparing qualitative data. A one-dimensional and multi-dimensional logistic regression model was used to examine the impact of the prison type on the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder. Results: Generalised anxiety disorder was observed among 44 prisoners (6.9%), most often in the age range 30-39 years and among men younger than 30 years, respectively 40.9 and 31.8% of all diagnosed. The average age of patients was 34.6 years. The least number of prisoners with GAD was in the age group 50-59 (2.3%). Nearly 66% of patients were prisoners detained in a closed type prison; the chance of generalised anxiety disorder was three times higher than among the prisoners in a half-open and open type facility. Generalised anxiety disorder was diagnosed significantly more often with those currently serving a prison sentence than those before incarceration. Conclusions: In Polish conditions, the importance of the problem associated with GAD is evidenced by a significant increase in its prevalence in the prison environment and a three times higher chance of developing generalised anxiety disorder among prisoners in a closed type institution, which calls for highly organised psychiatric care and increased availability of psychological assistance for prisoners.

COVID-19 and the marginalized: an opinion piece on further measures to address COVID-19 in prisons in Sub-Saharan Africa.

PURPOSE: This paper examines prison services and how they can be managed to uphold COVID-19 prevention etiquettes, in light of the contemporary rise in COVID-19 cases across the sub-Saharan Africa continent and the world at large. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: An extensive review of existing literature on COVID-19 was conducted to ascertain the nature of the pandemic in prisons in sub-Saharan Africa. FINDINGS: In line with empirical observations, the paper recommends regular disinfection of prisons and correctional facilities on the sub-continent. Again, there is the need for countries to resort to alternative punitive measures other than imprisonment, to curb the issue of overcrowding in prisons. Furthermore, there is the need for national governments to build ultramodern prison facilities, which would make room for emergency situations, as well as make provision for any future rise in the number of inmates while, at the same time, meeting fundamental needs as peculiar to prisoners. Finally, medical units in prisons need to be well-equipped against contemporary rise in COVID-19 cases. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The authors hereby declare that this submission is their handmade which has not been submitted to any other journal outlet.