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From the Outside In: Using Public Health Data to Make Inferences About Older Inmates

NCJ Number
167229
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 298-313
Author(s)
D E Merianos; J W Marquart; K Damphousse; J L Hebert
Date Published
1997
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Because recent imprisonment trends have led to the "graying" of American prisons, this study explored health conditions among noninstitutionalized elders to make inferences about those in prison.
Abstract
The National Health Interview Survey provided data for the study of three groups: (1) 57,134 male respondents; (2) 1,076 males over 50 years of age who were educated, nonurban, and married and who had annual incomes over $15,000; and (3) 343 older single males who had less than a high school education, lived in urban areas, and had annual incomes less than $15,000. The relationship between race and declines in health conditions was specifically examined among members of the third group. The analysis demonstrated the utility of examining public health data bases to link effects of health conditions in the wider society to prison conditions. Persons who resembled the incarcerated population reported poorer health, had more activity limitations, had increased bed days and doctor visits, and reported faster declines in health conditions than their mostly white counterparts. Implications of the findings for prison managers and policy development are discussed. 44 references, 1 note, and 3 tables

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