Understanding and supporting the health literacy of young men in prison: a mixed-methods study

Anita Mehay, Rosie Meek, Jane Ogden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Purpose
Prisons offer a public health opportunity to access a group with multiple and complex needs and return them to the community with improved health. However, prisons are unhealthy places and there are few frameworks to guide efforts. This study aims to generate insights into health literacy across a young adult prison population, specifically examining the level of limitations, barriers and characteristics associated with these limitations.

Design/methodology/approach
The study took place in a single prison in England for young adult men aged 18-21 years old. A mixed-methods design was adopted with 104 young men completing a quantitative survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews with 37 young men.

Findings
72% (n=75) of young men scored as limited in their health literacy. Barriers included structural restrictions, limitations to access to formal support, and social and natural disruptions. No demographic characteristics or smoking intentions/behaviours predicted limited health literacy but characteristics of prisoners were predictive. Physical problems (sleep, nausea, tiredness and headaches), mental health and wellbeing (anxiety, depression and affect), and somatisation problems were also predictive of limitations.

Practical implications
Prison healthcare services and commissioners should undertake regular health literacy needs assessments to support developments in reducing barriers to healthcare and increasing health improvement efforts. Action also requires greater political will and investment to consider broader action on the wider determinants of (prison) health.

Originality/value
The study provides a framework to understand and guide prison health efforts and highlights attention needed at the level of governments, prison leaders and their health systems.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-110
Number of pages18
JournalHealth Education
Volume121
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Jan 2021

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