The prevalence of infectious diseases, including but not limited to HIV, TB, and HCV, is a national healthcare issue that can have a significant impact on correctional facilities, where I currently work. There is a higher risk of transmission and outbreaks of these diseases in prison environments where inmates are housed in close quarters. Due to several factors, including limited access to healthcare, a higher prevalence of risk factors (such as substance abuse), and inadequate preventive measures, the incarcerated population frequently experiences higher rates of these infections compared to the general population (Busschots et al., 2022).
The impact of infectious diseases on correctional facilities is multi-fold. Firstly, it poses a significant health risk to both inmates and staff. The crowded living conditions and limited healthcare resources within correctional facilities can facilitate the rapid spread of infections. In addition, the prevalence of comorbidities among the incarcerated population, such as substance abuse and mental health disorders, can further complicate the management and treatment of infectious diseases (Busschots et al, 2022). Moreover, the healthcare burden associated with infectious diseases can strain correctional healthcare systems, which are often already overburdened and under-resourced. The costs of testing, treatment, and follow-up care for infectious diseases can be substantial. Correctional facilities must allocate resources to address these healthcare needs, which may divert funding from other essential programs and services (Lucas et al, 2018).
Additionally, infectious disease transmission within correctional facilities can occur outside of the institution’s physical boundaries. Infected ex-offenders who are released into the community may help spread the disease, which could have an impact on general public health. This emphasizes the connection between healthcare facilities in general and correctional facilities specifically, emphasizing the significance of addressing infectious diseases in these settings (Winter et al., 2022). Comprehensive strategies are required to reduce the impact of infectious diseases in correctional facilities. Adequate healthcare services, including access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV, directly observed therapy for TB, and new treatments for HCV, are some examples of these that could be provided. Promoting harm reduction practices like drug and alcohol treatment, needle exchange programs, and instruction on safe sex practices can also aid in lowering the risk of transmission (Cords et al., 2021).
Specifically in my facility, there is an increase in the prevalence of HCV. Most infections are new infections as screening for these infectious diseases are done at initial intake with the majority of the incarcerated individuals negative at intake. The inmates develop tattoo paraphernalia from equipment and needles they are able to find and then end up using these same needles to tattoo themselves over and over. Despite health education on the dangers and complications of sharing needles, these individuals are left with no option but to continue these unsafe practices as they can only use what is available for them in that setting. Another example would when my facility experienced an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in 2019. The outbreak occurred from contaminated water from the shower head in the bathroom. The outbreak was possible because of the shared bathrooms and tight living conditions in the prison.
In conclusion, there are significant risks to the health and well-being of inmates, staff, and the general public due to the prevalence of infectious diseases in correctional facilities. A comprehensive strategy that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and efficient management of these infections is needed to address this issue. Adequate resources and support are essential to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services within correctional settings and to minimize the potential impact on public health (Chandra et al, 2022).
References
Busschots, D., Kremer, C., Bielen, R., Cuypers, L., Gils, T., & Van Damme, P. (2022). Hepatitis C prevalence in incarcerated settings between 2013–2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 22, 2159. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14623-6Links to an external site.
Chandra Deb, L., Hove, H., Miller, T. K., Pinks, K., Njau, G., Hagan, J. J., & Jansen, R. J. (2022). Epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus infection among incarcerated populations in North Dakota. PloS one, 17(3), e0266047. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266047Links to an external site.
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