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Women in Prison: A Survey of Nutrition-Related Health Problems as Perceived by Female Inmates and Ex-Offenders

NCJ Number
134088
Author(s)
K A McBurney
Date Published
1988
Length
412 pages
Annotation
This study of the relation between nutrition and health problems among female inmates focuses on women's concerns about undesirable weight changes during incarceration.
Abstract
The study was conducted at the Federal correctional institutions at Pleasanton, Calif., and Aldeson, W. Va., as well as at two halfway houses in the San Francisco Bay area. Participant observations were conducted at one halfway house between January 1985 and July 1986. Interviews were conducted with 28 ex-offenders between April and December 1986 and with 110 randomly selected prison inmates between January and June 1987. Data were collected on dietary intake, prearrest alcohol consumption patterns, general health history, and health promotion practices during incarceration and after release. The study found inmates less likely than women in the general population to report being in good health. Using body mass index as an indicator, a lower percentage of black inmates and a higher percentage of white inmates were overweight compared to counterparts in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. More advantaged inmates apparently made better diet and exercise choices to regulate their weight. Women wanted more support for self-help, health-promotion activities in correctional facilities and a revision of food, recreational, and health-care services to meet the unique needs of women. 71 tables, 2 figures, a 247-item bibliography, and appended supplementary information

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