PASSPORTS TO ADVANTAGE: Health And Capacity Building As A Basis For Social Integration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,894,012.00
Summary
This project will conduct a randomised controlled trial of a post-release intervention for adult prisoners in Queensland. The findings of the study will inform the development of an evidence-based post-release intervention for prisoners in Australia and elsewhere, as well as providing an unprecedented insight into the post-release experiences of prisoners in Queensland.
Methadone Maintenance Treatment In Prisons In Indonesia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$58,117.00
Summary
The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment in Indonesian prisons in improving outcomes for heroin dependent inmates. This is the first study of methadone in prisons in Asia. It is expected that treated prisoners will inject drugs less often, leading to a reduction in HIV transmission. It is also expected that, once released, treated prisoners will be less likely to re-offend and be re-imprisoned.
A Multi-component Intervention For Smoking Cessation Among Australian Male Prison Inmates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,500.00
Summary
The prevalence of smoking amongst the Australian prison population is much higher than that in the general community. Despite a perception that prison inmates are unlikely to give up smoking while in prison, a recent survey has found that many inmates have attempted to quit or have reduced the amount they smoke. The same survey reported that almost a quarter of male inmates were planning to give up smoking within the next three months. Depression and anxiety are common among prison inmates. Rese ....The prevalence of smoking amongst the Australian prison population is much higher than that in the general community. Despite a perception that prison inmates are unlikely to give up smoking while in prison, a recent survey has found that many inmates have attempted to quit or have reduced the amount they smoke. The same survey reported that almost a quarter of male inmates were planning to give up smoking within the next three months. Depression and anxiety are common among prison inmates. Research has shown that people with depression or anxiety problems are less likely to quit, and more likely to relapse, than smokers without these symptoms. For this reason there has been interest in incorporating antidepressant medications into quit strategies. As a group with a high prevalence of depression and anxiety, prisoners may benefit from an intervention strategy that includes an antidepressant medication. Prisoners are often poorly educated, on a low income or benefits, or from a lower socioeconomic or an indigenous background. Members of this disadvantaged group have been shown to be less likely to use preventive health services, such as smoking cessation programs. This research proposal represents the first large scale randomised controlled trial of a multi-component intervention for tobacco dependence amongst a prisoner population in the world. This project will compare the effectiveness of adding an antidepressant medication to counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, a coping with change package and referral to a Quitline. The proposed research follows a small pilot study of the feasibility of a similar intervention. It brings together the expertise of several people across Australia with experience in tobacco dependence and prison research. The results will inform future smoking interventions for prison inmates and offers a real opportunity to impact upon the health and well-being of some of the most marginalised groups in Australian society.Read moreRead less
Preventing Violence-related Deaths Among Individuals Exposed To The Criminal Justice System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Violence is a public health problem. People who have criminal justice contacts are more likely to die and violence-related deaths are common. Not much is known about these deaths. This research will examine the violence-related deaths among young people who have justice contacts in Queensland. It will also examine violence-related deaths among adults who have been in prison from 12 different countries. This is the first study to comprehensively examine violence-related deaths in this group.
Preventing Mortality In Adults After Release From Prison: Advancing Global Knowledge Through An International, Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,687.00
Summary
Ex-prisoners are at increased risk of death, but not enough is known about the incidence, timing, causes, context or risk factors for preventable death in this population. In this project we have compiled 18 cohorts of ex-prisoners (total number=1,159,290) and will analyse the data to determine exactly which ex-prisoners are at the greatest risk from what, and when. This new knowledge will inform policy changes to reduce the unnecessary loss of life in this vulnerable population.