Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Relationship between incarceration and race disparities in US HIV rates explored

Research examines how drug policy affects incarceration rates and HIV infection levels among African Americans, who make up 40% of those incarcerated and 50% of new HIV diagnoses. The study calls for further research on the corrections system's impact on HIV risk and recommends investigating specific components of drug policy.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateDec 12, 2005

Could Abu Ghraib happen again?

Researchers argue that factors like peer pressure, superiors' expectations, and social interactions play a significant role in shaping behavior, not just individual psychology. Fisk suggests that preventing abuse requires understanding these conditions and promoting positive contact between groups.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2004

Female aboriginal inmates get bum rap

Research by University of Toronto criminologists reveals a systematic bias against Aboriginal women prisoners, leading to unfair classification rates and reduced privileges. The study found that 60% of Aboriginal women were classified as medium security risks despite committing fewer infractions in prison.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice/La Revue canadienne de criminologie et de justice pénale·DateAug 16, 2004

Public health and prisons

A study by Brown University researchers found high prevalence of life-threatening and contagious infections among incoming inmates. Nearly 20% tested positive for hepatitis B, highlighting the need for vaccination to prevent transmission upon release into the community.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 2, 2004

More young black men have done prison time than served in the military or earned a college degree

According to the study, 20% of all black men born from 1965-1969 had served time in prison by their early 30s, compared to less than 3% of white males. The risks of prison incarceration rose steeply with lower levels of education, affecting 30.2% of non-college educated blacks and 58.9% of black high school dropouts.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 24, 2004

UI examines issues related to research involving prisoners

A study examined the ability of prisoners with mental illness to give informed consent and found that nearly all were competent but scored lower than healthy controls. The researchers suggest that extra time and effort should be spent during the consent process to ensure these individuals understand the risks and benefits.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalComprehensive Psychiatry·DateJan 2, 2004

Heroin users released from methadone detox or jail may be at higher risk for overdose, according to UCSF researchers

Researchers found four characteristics independently associated with recent overdoses in a San Francisco Bay Area population: homelessness, lengthy prison sentences, and sex work. Targeted interventions to decrease overdose risk are urgently needed, according to the study's lead author.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 31, 2001

Health of women prisoners

A study found that only 15% of women in prison had undergone cervical cancer screening, despite 75% being willing to receive it. Short stays and urgent medical needs contribute to this disparity. Improved medical care could reduce the burden of ill health later on.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 6, 2000

Nuremberg Medical Ethics Reexamined

A Cornell University scholar reexamines the Nuremberg Medical Trial, highlighting the use of a fictional report to justify medical research on US prisoners. The paper also critiques Andrew Ivy's testimony at the trial and its implications for the field of medical ethics.