Tobacco Smoking Among Incarcerated Individuals: A Review of the Nature of the Problem and What is Being Done in Response

• NCJ Number: 228744
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 48 Issue: 7 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 589-604
• Author(s): John J. Donahue
• Date Published: October 2009
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study reviews the relevant literature on smoking rates among prison inmates, its effects, and the responses by health-care and correctional officials.

Abstract

Those incarcerated in prisons and jails have been found to have a much higher rate of cigarette smoking compared to the general population. Studies across the world have consistently found prevalence rates of smoking within correctional institutions to be approximately 70-83 percent. Youth in juvenile justice systems have reported a 70-percent rate of lifetime smoking and a 46.6 percent rate of daily smoking. Consistent with the prevalence rates reported, smoking has long been considered part of the culture within prisons. Social environment plays an important role in the onset and maintenance of smoking, and prison is a setting where smoking has generally been viewed as the norm. In addition to the negative health effects on the smokers themselves, correctional facilities that still allow indoor smoking facilitate harms from inhaling cigarette smoke. The direct and indirect effects of smoking on health include cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, kidney, and liver problems. The literature on smoking cessation generally indicates that extended and comprehensive treatments that are tailored to the client and include behavioral components increase the likelihood of successful cessation. Resources committed to make these intensive interventions work have proven cost-effective. Research on prison-based smoking cessation programs, albeit limited, provides evidence that smokers in these contexts can benefit from interventions. There is a need for additional methodologically sound outcome studies in prison settings, using treatment approaches found effective in community samples. Community public health efforts that focus on prevention should be evaluated within a correctional context. 39 references