Self-rated health impact of COVID 19 confinement on inmates in Southeastern of Europe: a qualitative study

Sánchez-Recio, Raquel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Samper-Pardo, Mario ; Llopis-Lambán, Rebeca ; Oliván-Blázquez, Bárbara (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cerdan-Bernad, Marta ; Magallón-Botaya, Rosa (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Abstract
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of various measures within closed institutions like prisons to control the spread of the virus. Analyzing the impact of these measures on the health of inmates is crucial from a public health perspective. This study aimed to explore inmates’ subjective perception of the COVID-19 lockdown, the implemented measures, their physical self-perception, and their views on the vaccination process.

Method
Between April 2021 and January 2022, 27 semi-structured individual interviews and 1 focus group were conducted with inmates in a prison located in northwest Spain. The interviews were conducted in person and audio-recorded. Thematic content analysis was employed, utilizing methodological triangulation to enhance the coherence and rigor of the results.

Results
The analysis revealed two main themes and nine subthemes. The first theme focused on inmates’ perception of the implementation of protective measures against COVID-19 within the prison and its impact on their well-being. The second theme explored the pandemic’s emotional impact on inmates. All participants reported negative consequences on their health resulting from the measures implemented by the institution to contain the pandemic. However, they acknowledged that measures like lockdowns and mass vaccination helped mitigate the spread of the virus within the prison, contrary to initial expectations.

Conclusion
COVID-19 and related measures have directly affected the health of inmates. To improve their health and minimize the impact of pandemic-induced changes, community participation and empowerment of individuals are essential tools, particularly within closed institutions such as prisons.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17088-3

Año: 2023

Publicado en: BMC PUBLIC HEALTH 23, 1 (2023), [13 pp.]
ISSN: 1471-2458

Factor impacto JCR: 3.5 (2023)

Categ. JCR: PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH rank: 85 / 408 = 0.208 (2023) - Q1 - T1

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 6.5 - Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (Q1)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.253 - Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (Q1)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/B21-23R-GAIAP

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Psicología Social (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)
Área (Departamento): Area Medicina (Dpto. Medicina, Psiqu. y Derm.)
Área (Departamento): Área Medic.Prevent.Salud Públ. (Dpto. Microb.Ped.Radio.Sal.Pú.)