![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
This study sought to determine whether need for healthcare and reported health status among adult men (N = 1,113) in US Federal prisons (in 12 states) changed from pre-release to 15 months after release by analyzing data collected by the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI). Specifically, the study was guided by three questions: (1) were there changes in treatment for specific diseases; (2) were there changes in health status, need for care, and access to and satisfaction with healthcare; and (3) did various social determinants of health predict any of the health outcomes at 15-month follow-up. The analysis of SVORI data found that men reported lower physical and mental health status and declines in receiving treatment following release, but greater satisfaction with healthcare. Further, analysis found the best predictors of health status as being satisfied with access to health care as well as employment. The greatest declines were in mental health treatment, however those ceasing treatment did not report worse physical health status, mental health scores, housing, employment, or recidivism. Future research is needed to determine the significance of the link between employment, satisfaction with access to health care, and health status among ex-prisoners.