Factors contributing to poor physical health in incarcerated women.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-2013
Abstract
Prisons have become the primary health care provider for some of the poorest and sickest women in the United States. By virtue of both biological sex and gender, incarcerated women have health needs different from those of their male counterparts. The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to understand better women's perceptions of how prison has affected their physical health. We conducted this investigation in a maximum-security women's prison in the United States using focus group methodology (12 focus groups, made up of 65 women). Women described several specific prison-based factors that affected their physical health: limited and complicated access to care; nutritional concerns; limited physical activity; and smoking in prison. We discuss these findings in relation to the gender-based health issues facing incarcerated women.
Volume
24
Issue
2
First Page
788
Last Page
801
ISSN
1548-6869
Published In/Presented At
Harner, H. M., & Riley, S. (2013). Factors contributing to poor physical health in incarcerated women. Journal of health care for the poor and underserved, 24(2), 788–801. https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2013.0059
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
23728045
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article