The Influence of Sentence Length on the Commission of Serious and Violent Prison Infractions by Female Inmates

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 1420-1434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Reidy ◽  
Jon R. Sorensen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Sentence Length ◽  
Female Inmates ◽  
Disciplinary Infractions ◽  
Female Prisoners ◽  
Violent Acts

This study examined the relationship between sentence length and time to commission of serious and violent disciplinary infractions by female inmates divided into short (2 years or less), intermediate (2-8 years), and long-term (8 or more years) groups. Relying on the intermediate-term group as a referent, a Cox regression model demonstrated that short-term inmates were most likely, and long-term inmates least likely, to commit serious and violent infractions across monthly time intervals during the 2-year study period. All three groups exhibited a low base rate of violent behavior directed toward inmates and staff. Predictors associated with the time to commission of serious and violent acts included age, education, mental health, and custody level. Findings point to the potential for over-classification to more secure custody assignments for some inmates, particularly for long-term female prisoners. Policy, institutional, and clinical implications are discussed, including the need for specialized programming and mental health treatment.

scholarly journals Mental Health and the City in the Post-COVID-19 Era

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7533
Author(s):  
Jakub Bil ◽  
Bartłomiej Buława ◽  
Jakub Świerzawski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Urban Sprawl ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Urban Structure ◽  
Spatial Effects ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The City

The article describes the risks for the mental health and wellbeing of urban-dwellers in relation to changes in the spatial structure of a city that could be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A year of lockdown has changed the way of life in the city and negated its principal function as a place of various meetings and social interactions. The danger of long-term isolation and being cut-off from an urban lifestyle is not only a challenge facing individuals, but it also creates threats on various collective levels. Hindered interpersonal relations, stress, and the fear of another person lower the quality of life and may contribute to the development of mental diseases. Out of fear against coronavirus, part of the society has sought safety by moving out of the densely populated city centres. The dangerous results of these phenomena are shown by research based on the newest literature regarding the influence of COVID-19 and the lockdown on mental health, urban planning, and the long-term spatial effects of the pandemic such as the urban sprawl. The breakdown of the spatial structure, the loosening of the urban tissue, and urban sprawl are going to increase anthropopressure, inhibit access to mental health treatment, and will even further contribute to the isolation of part of the society. In addition, research has shown that urban structure loosening as a kind of distancing is not an effective method in the fight against the SARS-COV pandemic. Creating dense and effective cities through the appropriate management of development during and after the pandemic may be a key element that will facilitate the prevention of mental health deterioration and wellbeing. It is also the only possibility to achieve the selected Sustainable Development Goals, which as of today are under threat.

Characteristics and Context of Women Probationers and Parolees Who Engage in Violence

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merry Morash ◽  
Deborah A. Kashy ◽  
Jennifer E. Cobbina ◽  
Sandi W. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Full Sample ◽  
Probation And Parole ◽  
History Of ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
Violent Acts

For a sample of 396 women on probation and parole, this article presents the results of qualitative analysis that shows the nature of violence for a subgroup of 75 women who were convicted of a violent act. For the full sample of 396, the article also presents results of quantitative analyses that identify correlates of violent behavior. Women’s violent acts were most often assaults on people who were not intimate partners. Second and third most common violent acts were for assaults of an intimate partner and robbery, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed that history of adult abuse and anger predicted violence. The effect of abuse on violent behavior was partially mediated by anger. Intercorrelations between anger, mental health problems, histories of being abused, and current substance abuse suggest the efficacy of assessing these attributes so that programming can provide individualized interventions that address co-occurring problems.

Female Prisoners in Spain: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Negative Emotional States, and Social Support

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-166
Author(s):  
Francisco Caravaca-Sánchez ◽  
Noelle E Fearn ◽  
Kristina R Vidovic ◽  
Michael G Vaughn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Female Inmates ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Female Prisoners ◽  
Adverse Childhood

Abstract A growing body of literature on correctional populations from the past two decades indicates that a significant proportion of prison inmates report experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) during childhood. Extant literature also suggests that women suffer disproportionate victimization at all life stages. The current study examines the prevalence and magnitude of the associations between ACEs, social support, and negative emotional states (that is, anxiety, depression, and stress) among a sample of incarcerated women—a small but growing correctional population. Data were obtained from a survey of women incarcerated in two prisons in Spain (N = 174); survey questions elicited information on these women’s emotional, physical, and sexual victimization during childhood in addition to their self-reported levels of social support and mental health. A series of analyses indicated that female inmates who reported ACEs similarly reported lower levels of social support and higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress as compared with nonvictimized women inmates. The findings reported here underscore the importance of attaining a fuller understanding of female inmates’ histories of ACEs so that we can more accurately identify and, ideally, provide necessary services to those women at highest risk of mental health–related problems during incarceration.

Adjustment Patterns in Incarcerated Women

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 714-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Thompson ◽  
Ann B. Loper
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Adjustment ◽  
Incarcerated Women ◽  
Brief Symptom Inventory ◽  
Sentence Length ◽  
Female Inmates ◽  
Prison Sentence ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Institutional Misconduct

This study investigated how adjustment patterns in incarcerated women are related to length of sentence. Participants included 692 female inmates who were divided into groups based on prison sentence length: long-term (10+ years), medium-term (2-10 years), and short-term (less than 2 years). Adjustment measures included the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Prison Adjustment Questionnaire. Institutional records provided information on behavioral misconduct. Results found that long- and medium-term inmates reported higher feelings of conflict and committed significantly more nonviolent and institutional offenses than short-term inmates. Results indicated no significant relationship between sentence length and emotional adjustment. These results suggest that long- and medium-term female inmates exhibit more difficulty with conflict and institutional misconduct than short-term inmates, thereby needing more specialized interventions.

scholarly journals CLINICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VIOLENT BEHAVIOR IN PERSONS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 775-780
Author(s):  
Nana Zavradashvili MD ◽  
◽  
Otar Toidze MD , PhD ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Violent Behavior ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Violent Acts ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Persons With Schizophrenia

Study of the relationship between mental disorder and violent behavior is critical both from a public health perspective and for the proper planning and development of mental health services.However, the complex contribution of clinical, historical and environmental risk factors for violence in persons with schizophrenia remains unclear. The aim of the study was to identify clinical and social risk factors for violence in patients with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) using a case-control design. Cases were defined as patients with SSD who had committed at least one act of offence in the past (94 patients wereenrolled from forensic psychiatricward). Controls were genderand age matched patients with SSD who had never committed violent acts (106 patients from general psychiatric services).A standard set of instruments was used to assess patients exposure to a variety of risk factors. Data were collected through patient interviews and medical records.Study results showed, that increased risk of violence was associated with severity of positive psychotic symptoms, diagnosis of delusional disorder, irregular or no contacts with mental health services. Significant risk factors for serious violent acts were associated with comorbid alcohol misuse, impulsivity,persecutory delusions,decreased emotional responseand unsatisfactory living environment. Study confirmed that the interaction of social andclinicalfactorswith treatment related factors played an important role as determinants of violence. These factors should be the focus of treatment and management of patients with SSD to prevent violent behavior.

scholarly journals 836. Significant Elevations in CD4+ Count, Post-treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) with Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs), in Human Immune Deficiency, HIV/HCV Co-infected Patients with Prolonged CD4+ lymphocytopenia, despite undetectable HIV RNA

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S510-S510
Author(s):  
Ryan Kuhn ◽  
Carolyn Green ◽  
Suganthini Krishnan Natesan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Compliance Rate ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Hcv Treatment ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Therapy Regimen

Abstract Background Introduction of DAAs has revolutionized HCV therapy. Treatment of HIV/HCV co-infected patients is challenging and HCV treatment data on this group of patients are limited. Aim: To review pre-and post-DAA treatment parameters, identify measures to improve recruitment and improve quality of care in co-infected veterans. A QC/QI project. Methods A retrospective chart review of HIV/HCV co-infected patients treated for HCV with DAA at Detroit VAMC was performed. All patients were on anti-retroviral treatment for HIV with undetectable viral loads. Pre-and post-DAA treatment parameters were compared in patients who completed 12 weeks of treatment. Drug interactions, SVR, CD4+ counts AST, ALT, albumin, INR, platelets, creatinine, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), HCV RNA, and FIB-4 score were recorded. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for data analysis. Results Out of 46 patients, 4 died and 20 were ineligible due to non-compliance, mental illness, or drug use; 22 eligible patients, who had well controlled HIV, received DAAs for 12 weeks. (Genotype was 1a in 14, 1b in 7 and 2b in 1 patient). Compliance rate was 100%, 21 patients were HCV treatment naïve, 1 treated with interferon in the past) and all 22 patients achieved SVR by 12 weeks (in 2 weeks), including patients (n=12) on long term opioids and/or mental health treatment. Among 10/24 patients who showed a significant increase in CD4+ (range > 100 to 400 within 6 months), 8 were cirrhotic and had received DAA + RIB therapy. HIV therapy regimen change to alafenamide combination was required in 7/22 patients, for renal dysfunction. There were decreases in AST/ALT, but no changes in FIB-4 score, platelets, albumin, creatinine, or AFP were noted. Conclusion HIV/HCV Co-infected patients who received DAA + RIB had a significant increase in CD4+ lymphocyte counts (p< 0.05) (unlike interferon-based regimen). Chronic opioid use and mental health treatment were not a hindrance to successful therapy. The clinical impact of our findings on long-term complications including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extra-hepatic manifestations of HCV remain to be seen. Recognition of positive predictive markers will delineate the cohort of co-infected veterans who would benefit from DAA therapy beyond HCV eradication. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals California Wildfire Exposure, Vulnerability, and Mental Health: Who gets to recover and who does not?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Hassan Bin Afzal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Road ◽  
Wildfire Smoke ◽  
Quick Recovery ◽  
Flexible Infrastructure

One of the various aftereffects of persistent climate change is an upsurge in the frequency, severity, and effect of wildfires on the wellbeing of suffering communities. The destruction and wreckage of one's home, properties, and the surrounding neighborhood, as well as the threat to one's psychological safety and the safety of loved ones, can have long-term effects on survivors' mental health. The central goal of this study, therefore, is threefold. Firstly, identify the significant qualitative and quantitative studies that examine the impacts of wildfire on mental health. This study mainly focuses on studies that capture the effects of wildfire, smoke, and air quality in California and how that affected the local communities based on their vulnerability determinants. Secondly, the study examines both types of studies to find common grounds regarding the most vulnerable population and their mental health, their ability to seek professional help, and barriers to the road to recovery. Finally, this study provides evidence-based strategies for including more vulnerable members of society in receiving sufficient and timely psychological care to recover from PTSD, trauma, distress, and hopelessness. Migrant farmworkers, particularly younger female Hispanic and indigenous workers, suffer from the wildfire's long-term stress, PTSD, depression, and emotional distress. Furthermore, the continued COVID-19 deepens the gap, social stigma, and barriers to receiving sufficient mental health care to recover and rehabilitate traumatic wildfire exposure. A localized mental healthcare support system based on equity, with flexible infrastructure and greater accessibility, promises to be more efficient and advantageous for underrepresented and vulnerable individuals seeking mental health treatment and quick recovery.

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