Is Incarceration a Contributor to Health Disparities? Access to Care of Formerly Incarcerated Adults

Abstract

Despite the disproportionate prevalence of incarceration in communities of color, few studies have examined its contribution to health disparities. We examined whether a lifetime history of incarceration is associated with recent access to medical and dental care. We performed a secondary data analysis of the 2007 Los Angeles County Health Survey, a population-based random-digit-dialing telephone survey of county households. Any history of incarceration in a prison/jail/detention center as an adult was assessed for a random subsample. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined whether incarceration history was associated with access to care, controlling for other characteristics. Ten percent of our study population reported a history of incarceration. While persons with an incarceration history were similar to their peers with regard to health and insurance status, their access to medical and dental care was worse. Incarceration history was independently associated with disparities in access to care. Interventions to improve the health of communities affected by high rates of incarceration could include efforts that enable access to care for formerly incarcerated adults.

Factors associated with the utilization of community dental services among newly incarcerated adults

“…However, previous research, as well as the current study, has demonstrated that these barriers remain (Kulkarni, et al, 2010;Douds et al, 2016). This calls for a collaborative effort engaging correctional and community stakeholders to bridge access and service gaps along the current dental care continuum for those incarcerated in Georgia.…”

“…The ability of a dental provider to identify and treat an oral health condition that can be detected only by a thorough clinical examination is hindered when preventive visits are not maintained. In addition, despite an individual's desire to seek appropriate care, timely treatment may still be impeded by the social and economic challenges of not having a primary dental provider, lack of adequate insurance coverage, and other financial restrictions (Kulkarni et al, 2010;.…”

“…Previous research has demonstrated a deficiency in the quality of healthcare provided in correctional institutions (Kulkarni, Baldwin, Lightstone, Gelberg, & Diamant, 2010). Consequently, there is an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and mental conditions among prisoners compared to the general U.S. population (Williams, Goodwin, Baillargeon, Ahalt, & Walter, 2012;Wilper et al, 2009).…”

Trajectories of Health and Behavioral Health Services Use among Community Corrections–Involved Rural Adults

“…Across all types of health services, particularly in rural settings, individuals face difficulty locating and receiving services in response to their health care needs ( Kulkarni, Baldwin, Lightstone, Gelberg, & Diamant, 2010). A combination of demographic and community factors (including minority status, poverty, low numbers of health services providers, and lack of outreach by community health programs) often limit access to health and mental health services ( Dumont, Brockmann, Dickman, Alexander, & Rich, 2012;Owens, Rogers, & Whitesell, 2011).…”

The socio-demographic characteristics and health needs of incarcerated women applying to a transitional housing re-entry program

“…Previous incarceration has been independently linked to increased rates of chronic disease and poor health care access for both genders [7,8]. However, incarcerated women have significantly higher rates of asthma, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis as well as depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, personality disorders, and drug abuse compared to incarcerated men [9].…”