Authors: Kjelsberg, Ellen¹; Hartvig, Paal²

Source: European Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 20, Number 7, July 2005 , pp. 587-592(6)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

Aim: To estimate psychiatric and somatic morbidity in a nation-wide prison population, as inferred from detailed medication sheets. Method: Medication sheets from 37 prisons, covering 90% of the Norwegian prison population, were collected and examined by experienced clinicians. All inmates on medication were assigned best-estimate psychiatric and/or somatic diagnoses according to the International Classification of Primary Care diagnostic system. Results: Among the 2617 inmates 919 (35%) had psychiatric disorders, as estimated by our methodology. Depressive disorders (11%) and sleep disorders (11%) were most prevalent. Twenty-six inmates (1%) were prescribed medication indicative of affective psychosis and an additional 77 (3%) received anti-psychotic drugs in doses indicating other psychotic disorders, bringing the sum total of psychosis up to 103 (4%). A total of 848 inmates (32%) were estimated to suffer from somatic disorders. Various pain conditions were prevalent (11%) in addition to obstructive airway diseases and asthma (4%). Both psychiatric and somatic disorders were more prevalent in female prisoners. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated high psychiatric and somatic morbidity in a nation-wide population of prison inmates receiving adequate health services. As the morbidity estimates are inferred from prescription drug use they must be interpreted with caution. However, we do believe that our study, utilizing this unconventional but readily available source of information, has yielded valuable knowledge regarding the physical and mental health of a nation-wide prison population.

Keywords: Medication; Prison health services; Psychiatric morbidity; Somatic morbidity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10654-005-8156-9

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Building 7 Gaustad, N-0320, Oslo, Norway, Email: ellen.kjelsberg@kompetanse-senteret.no 2: Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Ulleval University Hospital, Building 7 Gaustad, N-0320, Oslo, Norway,

Publication date: 2005-07-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Public Health
• By this author: Kjelsberg, Ellen ;  Hartvig, Paal

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers