Dominique Pralong1, Audrey Renaud1, Anne-Dominique Secretan1, Marysette Blanc1, Nathalie Charmillot1, Elisabeth Mouton1, Hans Wolff1, Nguyen Toan Tran2. 1. Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Chêne-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland. 2. Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Chêne-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland; Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: Nguyen-Toan.Tran@unige.ch.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mind-body relaxation techniques are complementary or alternative to medication to manage high stress and anxiety levels in prisons. PURPOSE: To assess the motivation to attend and perceived benefits of a nurse-led group relaxation intervention in prison, investigate the experience of participants, prison officers, and health professionals, and identify improvements. METHOD: Exploratory study was conducted in a post-trial facility in Switzerland using a multiperspective convergent parallel mixed method drawing from participatory action research principles. FINDINGS: Reasons for attendance included back problems, mental tension, physical fitness, relaxation, and sleep problems. Perceived benefits comprised autonomy in self-practice, decreased physical tensions and anxiety, and improvement of sleep and physical fitness. Qualitative findings converged highlighting the importance of body-centering, relaxation as an alternative to medication, negative representations about relaxation sessions (useless, effeminate), and recommendations for improvement, including audio-visual support for self-practice. DISCUSSION: Long-standing mind-body relaxation interventions led by nurses in groups may offer participants a beneficial and operationally feasible complement to stress management in prisons.
BACKGROUND: Mind-body relaxation techniques are complementary or alternative to medication to manage high stress and anxiety levels in prisons. PURPOSE: To assess the motivation to attend and perceived benefits of a nurse-led group relaxation intervention in prison, investigate the experience of participants, prison officers, and health professionals, and identify improvements. METHOD: Exploratory study was conducted in a post-trial facility in Switzerland using a multiperspective convergent parallel mixed method drawing from participatory action research principles. FINDINGS: Reasons for attendance included back problems, mental tension, physical fitness, relaxation, and sleep problems. Perceived benefits comprised autonomy in self-practice, decreased physical tensions and anxiety, and improvement of sleep and physical fitness. Qualitative findings converged highlighting the importance of body-centering, relaxation as an alternative to medication, negative representations about relaxation sessions (useless, effeminate), and recommendations for improvement, including audio-visual support for self-practice. DISCUSSION: Long-standing mind-body relaxation interventions led by nurses in groups may offer participants a beneficial and operationally feasible complement to stress management in prisons.
Authors: Dominic Sagoe; Berit Johnsen; Bo Lindblad; Tom Are Jensen Normann; Vidar Skogvoll; Morten Heierdal; Fredrik Lauritzen Journal: Front Sports Act Living Date: 2021-12-23