The number of incarcerated individuals in the United States has risen rapidly since 1990. During this time, the number of women behind bars increased at a rate greater than that of men, 6.8% annually compared with 4.2%. Previous studies have shown that female jail detainees suffer from high rates of human immunodeficiency virus infection and other sexually transmitted diseases; however, limited information is known about other health problems affecting women as they enter correctional facilities. This study describes the self-reported health problems of female detainees upon entry to Cook County Jail (CCJ).
The medical intake records for all detainees entering the jail between June 1 and 30, 2000 were analyzed. Female detainees comprised 14.7% (n=778) of the study population. Female detainees were predominantly black (74.7%), smokers (76.0%) and most had been incarcerated at CCJ previously (70.7%). Both male and female detainees reported a number of health problems: asthma (11.4%), abnormal blood pressure (5.3%), mental health problems (4.5%), and diabetes (2.2%). However, compared to males, females reported significantly more asthma (21.7% vs. 9.6%, p<.001), abnormal blood pressure (10.7% vs. 4.4%, p<.001) and seizures (4.4% vs. 1.9%, p<.001). Additionally, women were more likely to be smokers (RR:1.9, 95% CI:1.6-2.2), drug users (RR:2.2, 95% CI:2.0-2.5), and in need of acute medical attention (RR:2.4, 95% CI:2.1-2.8). Female detainees at CCJ suffer from a variety of health problems. The period of incarceration provides an opportunity not only to screen for and treat health problems, but also to educate women about disease prevention and health promotion.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the health status of female detainees in a large urban jail. 2. Recognize the role correctional institutions play in the health of a community.
Keywords: Incarceration, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.