Health information seeking behaviors in prison

Periodical
Journal of Correctional Health Care
Volume
28
Year
2022
Issue number
2
Page range
90-99
Access date
May 31, 2023
Relates to study/studies
PIAAC Cycle 1

Health information seeking behaviors in prison

 Results from the US PIAAC survey

Abstract

Distinct challenges exist in the delivery of medical services in correctional facilities, yet little is known about the sources of health information incarcerated patients rely upon to understand and manage their health. Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. incarcerated adults (N = 1,319) from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, we examine patterns in health information seeking behavior. We find incarcerated persons report television (72.9%) and social contacts (61.8%) as their most common sources of health information and use of magazines and books/brochures is significantly related to better health. We argue that asking incarcerated patients how they get health information and using this knowledge to provide them with health information in formats they will use are important steps toward reducing incarcerated individuals' health disparities.