CGPH FACULTY: Stefano Bertozzi
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Septembe 2015
REGION: Latin America
REFERENCE: Silverman-Retana O, Lopez-Ridaura R, Servan-Mori E, Bautista-Arredondo S, Bertozzi SM. Cross-Sectional Association between Length of Incarceration and Selected Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases in Two Male Prisons of Mexico City. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 18;10(9):e0138063. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138063. eCollection 2015.
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Mexico City prisons are characterized by overcrowded facilities and poor living conditions for housed prisoners. Chronic disease profile is characterized by low prevalence of self reported hypertension (2.5%) and diabetes (1.8%) compared to general population; 9.5% of male inmates were obese. There is limited evidence regarding on the exposure to prison environment over prisoner’s health status; particularly, on cardiovascular disease risk factors. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between length of incarceration and selected risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This analysis provides insight into the relationship between length of incarceration and four selected risk factors for NCDs; screening for high blood pressure should be guarantee in order to identify at risk individuals and linked to the prison’s health facility. It is important to assess prison environment features to approach potential risk for developing NCDs in this context.
ACCESS: Link to Pubmed