Rosie Meek1, Gwen Lewis. 1. School of Social Sciences and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK. r.meek@tees.ac.uk
Abstract
PURPOSE: The existing evidence base and policy context of sports-based prisoner health promotion is evaluated, and an original analysis of current provision and best practice in delivering sport to address physical, mental and substance misuse needs among prisoners across the secure estate in England and Wales is presented, with a focus on the variability of provision across different prison establishments. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Inspectorate reports published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (n=184) were analysed to assess the extent to which health promotion objectives are being implemented through physical education in prisons across England and Wales. Examples of innovative sport-based health promoting programmes are drawn upon in order to illustrate principles of best practice. FINDINGS: Despite health promotion being engrained in existing policy, the degree to which physical, mental health and substance misuse needs are addressed through sport in prison remains highly variable and locally contingent across the secure estate, although examples of innovative practice are evident. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: For sport to promote prisoner health most effectively, tailored sports provision should be embedded within multi-modal interventions which draw on internal and external partnerships and promote opportunities for ongoing sporting participation. Further research is required to delineate principles of best practice applicable to discrete prisoner populations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Sport can play a key role in addressing a multitude of prisoner health needs whilst contributing to achieving "healthy prison" objectives in practice. Sport and physical activity clearly offers a valuable way of motivating prisoners to engage in health promoting initiatives.
PURPOSE: The existing evidence base and policy context of sports-based prisoner health promotion is evaluated, and an original analysis of current provision and best practice in delivering sport to address physical, mental and substance misuse needs among prisoners across the secure estate in England and Wales is presented, with a focus on the variability of provision across different prison establishments. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Inspectorate reports published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (n=184) were analysed to assess the extent to which health promotion objectives are being implemented through physical education in prisons across England and Wales. Examples of innovative sport-based health promoting programmes are drawn upon in order to illustrate principles of best practice. FINDINGS: Despite health promotion being engrained in existing policy, the degree to which physical, mental health and substance misuse needs are addressed through sport in prison remains highly variable and locally contingent across the secure estate, although examples of innovative practice are evident. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: For sport to promote prisoner health most effectively, tailored sports provision should be embedded within multi-modal interventions which draw on internal and external partnerships and promote opportunities for ongoing sporting participation. Further research is required to delineate principles of best practice applicable to discrete prisoner populations. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Sport can play a key role in addressing a multitude of prisoner health needs whilst contributing to achieving "healthy prison" objectives in practice. Sport and physical activity clearly offers a valuable way of motivating prisoners to engage in health promoting initiatives.
Keywords:
England; Inspectorate reports; Mental health; Personal health; Physical health; Prisons; Sport; Substance use; Wales
Authors: Gema Ortega Vila; Manuel Tomás Abad Robles; José Robles Rodríguez; Luis Javier Durán González; Jorge Franco Martín; Ana Concepción Jiménez Sánchez; Francisco Javier Giménez Fuentes-Guerra Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-05-15 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Claudia Battaglia; Alessandra di Cagno; Giovanni Fiorilli; Arrigo Giombini; Federica Fagnani; Paolo Borrione; Marco Marchetti; Fabio Pigozzi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2013-10-31 Impact factor: 3.390