Abstract
Improved nutrition has implications for both prisoners and the penal system. This study evaluated a pilot intervention to improve nutrition in prisoners. Residents of a correctional substance abuse program (SAP) completed a health risk appraisal (HRA) upon entering the SAP and at completion. Nineteen participants in a pilot nutrition workshop were matched with 37 nonparticipant controls. Analysis of changes in HRA responses relating to nutrition, general health, and social ties found that a significantly greater proportion of participants than controls reported improved nutrition practices (23.5% vs.3.2%, p =.047). Participants were 4 times more likely to report improved general health than controls (52.6% vs.13.9%, p =.002). A smaller proportion of participants than controls reported improved social ties (10.5% vs. 30.6%, p =.18). This study suggests that inmate participants and the penal system may benefit from nutrition workshops. Further investigation should involve a larger study population.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 144-150 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Correctional Health Care |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2013 |
Keywords
- incarceration
- intervention
- nutrition
- prison
- wellness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Community and Home Care
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health