PRISON HEALTH SERVICES (PHS) Lecture (9)

Introduction Prison is a place where individuals are kept in custody for a certain period of time for any wrong deeds they commit knowingly or unknowingly having political, social and economic nature. 22 June 2018

Main Purpose of Prison Health Service (PHS) To solve the immediate health problems of the prisoner both physical and mental. Prisoners do have a right to get health service To prevent transmission of diseases 22 June 2018

To train the prisoners as first aiders. To teach prisoners the basics of health and change their behavior so that when they are released from the prison to join the community once again, they can transmit whatever health messages, they get in the prison. Thus act as a community health educator. To prevent the spread of infections and especially chronic ones like TB, Leprosy from the prisoner to the community To train the prisoners as first aiders. 22 June 2018

Common Health Problems in the Prison Psychological health problem Problem of food poisoning (dysentery) Febrile illness like relapsing fever, typhoid, typhus Intestinal parasites   Chronic diseases like TB Skin infections Malnutrition Gastroenteritis 22 June 2018

Urinary tract infection Arthralgia, rheumatism Homosexuality Sexually transmissible diseases (STD’s 22 June 2018

Major stressors specific to the condition are: Loss such as loss of job, freedom, family contacts, dignity, food choices privacy and sexual activities. Threats such as the threats of homosexual, physical discomfort, sleeping, eating and other personal functions. Drugs or alcoholic withdrawal, feelings of infidelity (lack of religion, belief) 22 June 2018

Sources of Diseases Prisoners who join the prison with diseases The prison itself 22 June 2018

Factors responsible for the origin and spread of diseases in prisons Poor housing   Inadequate ventilation   Overcrowding   Malnutrition Poor personal hygiene   Poor environmental hygiene Idleness   Poor waste disposal  Prolonged stay in prison   Lack of knowledge   Others 22 June 2018

Effective PHS goes with change in politics; economics and society while making a survey use a well-structured check list which includes the following points. Identification of the prison (name, location)   Construction of the building and their bed rooms Waste disposal system Latrine Water supply Health facilities 22 June 2018

Responsibilities of the PHN during PHS Work with prison administrators and the prisoners Organize prisoners and form health committee in the prison   Identify health and health related problems of the prisoners using a developed checklist. Make a plan and encourage them to solve the identified problem Identify the resources of the prison. Work with other health professionals 22 June 2018

Work to solve the identified problems Screening of the prisoners Treating the sick Health education Delousing of the prisoners Waste disposal system   Make a follow up 22 June 2018

Thank you 22 June 2018