Health-related quality of life among prisoners

What is it about?

Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a multi-dimensional concept, which includes domains related to physical, psychological, environmental, and social functioning. Due to the growing number of prisoners in Ethiopia and limited access to health service, HRQoL is a key concern. Compromised HRQoL imposes short and long-term consequences on the prisoners, their families, and the healthcare system. Since there were limited studies regarding this area, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of health-related quality of life and associated factors among prisoners in Gondar by employing an analysis method that takes into account the complex relationships of factors that affect it.

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Photo by Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash

Photo by Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our study found that despite a modest degree of overall HRQoL, inmates at Gondar Prison experience very poor environmental and psychological health. Because prisons are regulated, but not closed systems, most prisoners will eventually return to the community, bringing with them new diseases and untreated conditions that may endanger community health and add to the community's disease burden. As a result, prisoners' health is an important component of public health because health issues within and outside of prisons are intertwined. Thus, Research in prisons is crucial for identifying inmates' healthcare needs and developing effective treatment plans that consider physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors.

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