How Incarceration Influences Native-Born Black Men’s Risk of Obesity

Abstract

Methods:We analyzed data from the 2001-2003 National Survey of American Life (NSAL), focusing on native-born Black men (n=1140), the demographic group that bears the brunt of mass incarceration. The outcome of interest was obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI)>30. Principal predictors were familial and former incarceration, and their statistical interaction. Results:In survey-adjusted binomial logistic regression models, familial incarceration appeared an unimportant predictor; whereas, former incarceration associated with a lower risk of obesity. However, former incarceration modifies the association between familial incarceration and obesity, such that nativeborn Black men experiencing both familial and former incarceration were significantly more likely to be obese. Conclusions

Familial Incarceration, Social Role Combinations, and Mental Health Among African American Women

“…The United States incarcerates a greater share of its population and has a higher rate of incarceration than all other countries in the world (International Centre for Prison Studies, 2018; Kaeble & Cowhig, 2018). The vastness of the carceral system holds profound consequences for those directly involved, as well as people in their proximate social network and communities (Braman, 2004; Brown, Culver, & Bento, 2018; Chesney‐Lind & Mauer, 2003; Lee, Wildeman, Wang, Matusko, & Jackson, 2014; Turney, Schnittker, & Wildeman, 2012). Black men, regardless of ethnicity (Patterson & Dagadu, 2016), are at a higher risk of involvement in the criminal justice system (National Research Council, 2014; Pettit & Western, 2004; Western & Mueller, 2013).…”