Growing Old Behind Bars

• Authors: Kathryn M. Nowotny, University of Colorado Boulder; Alice Cepeda, University of Southern California; Laurie Hawkins, Emory University; Jason D. Boardman, University of Colorado Boulder
• Journal Title: Journal of Aging and Health
• Volume: Volume 28, Number 6
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US) | 2016-09-01, Pages 935-956
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0898264315614007
• Subjects: Psychology, Behavioral; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: Prisons; Prisoners; Aging; Comorbidity; Mental health; Injuries; Chronic illness

Abstract

Objective: This study examines patterns of multimorbidity among elderly male inmates across four domains of health (chronic medical conditions, drug- and alcohol-related diseases, impairments, and mental and behavioral health) to understand the complex health care needs of this growing population. Method: We use the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities and Latent Class Regression Analysis to examine 22 health problems among 1,026 men aged 50 and older. Results: There are four groups of elderly male inmates: (a) relatively healthy (45.1%), (b) substance users with behavioral health issues (23.4%), (c) chronic unhealthy with impairments and violence/ injury (23.6%), and (d) very unhealthy across all domains (7.9%). These groups have unique sociodemographic background and incarceration history characteristics. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the complexity of health for elderly inmates. Prison health should continue to be monitored to aid correctional and community health programs in understanding clinical risks, exposures, and health care needs for this population.