Review
Health Problems of Female Prisoners and the Supportive Role of Public Health Nursing: A Review
Abstract
Objective: This review aims to examine the health profiles of female prisoners, who experience more prevalent and unique health issues compared to the general population and male prisoners. Specifically, it focuses on mental health problems, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and reproductive health issues that negatively impact the quality of life of female inmates. The review also aims to highlight the inadequacies in prison healthcare services and their effect on the overall health status of female prisoners.
Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies related to the health challenges of female prisoners, both globally and in Turkey. The review also explored healthcare service accessibility, delivery challenges, and the role of public health nursing in improving these services for incarcerated women.
Results: The findings reveal that female prisoners face significant mental health issues, chronic and infectious diseases, and reproductive health concerns. These health problems are exacerbated by insufficient healthcare services in prisons, leading to deteriorating overall health among this population. Public health nurses can play a crucial role in addressing these issues through integrated and gender-sensitive health interventions.
Conclusions: The health needs of female prisoners require a more nuanced understanding, and there is an urgent need to improve healthcare services within prison settings. Developing comprehensive and integrated approaches to address the unique health issues of female inmates will contribute significantly to both individual and public health outcomes.
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There are 56 citations in total.
Details
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Clinical Sciences (Other), Health Services and Systems (Other) |
| Journal Section | Review |
| Authors | |
| Early Pub Date | August 20, 2025 |
| Publication Date | August 30, 2025 |
| Submission Date | January 13, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | May 28, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 10 Issue: 2 |
The Journal of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Institute of Health Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Institute of Health Sciences.