Health-care needs of older women prisoners: Perspectives of the health-care workers who care for them

J Women Aging. 2020 Mar-Apr;32(2):183-202. doi: 10.1080/08952841.2019.1593771. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Abstract

The proportion of older incarcerated women is growing, yet little is known regarding their health-care needs. Using focus group methodology, this study sought to elucidate the unique health-care needs of older women prisoners through the perspectives of correctional health-care providers. Three organizing themes emerged regarding the health of older women prisoners: (a) the meaning of being "older" in the prison setting; (b) challenges impacting correctional health-care workers' care delivery; and (c) unmet health-care-related needs. Correctional health-care workers' insights can provide guidance regarding how to optimize the health of the increasing population of older women prisoners.

Keywords: Aging; correctional health; prisoners; women.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Women's Health
  • Women's Health Services / statistics & numerical data*