NCJ Number
227198
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 98-104
Date Published
April 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study described medications dispensed in a juvenile detention center, including what percentage of the detention population received medications and the cost of prescribed medications per detained youth.
Abstract
Highlights of report findings include: (1) approximately 7 percent of incarcerated youths were prescribed psychotherapeutic agents during their stay; (2) females were found to be twice more often at higher health risk than males; (3) approximately 5 percent of all detained males and over 7 percent of all detained females were prescribed only antibiotic agents; (4) a low prevalence of youth were prescribed allergy/asthma medications; (5) over 93 percent of the total medication cost was divided among three broad categories: psychotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, and allergy/asthma medications; (6) short-term incarcerated male youths required more quantities and more expensive psychotherapeutic agents than their female counterparts; (7) approximately 14 percent of the detained male youths in short-term detention facilities will receive prescribed medications with an average cost of $324 per month per male; and (8) approximately 27 percent of all female youths will receive prescription medications at a cost of $170 per month per female. This study supports previous research that many youth who are incarcerated have many healthcare needs, in particular psychiatric and mental health conditions. Many studies have verified that youth held in juvenile detention facilities have significant healthcare needs. This retrospective study examined prescription medication records for 1 year in a county-funded juvenile detention facility to determine the percentage receiving medications and the cost of the prescribed medications. Tables and references