Child incarceration and long-term adult health outcomes: a longitudinal study. Issue 1 (12th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barnert, Elizabeth S.; Abrams, Laura S.; Tesema, Lello; Dudovitz, Rebecca; Nelson, Bergen B.; Coker, Tumaini; Bath, Eraka; Biely, Christopher; Li, Ning; Chung, Paul J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of prisoner health. Volume 14:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2018-03-12
• Subjects: Offender health -- Public health -- Suicide -- Health policy -- Juvenile offenders -- Young offenders; Prisoners -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Prisoners -- Medical care -- Periodicals; Prisoners -- Mental health -- Periodicals; 365.66
• DOI: 10.1108/IJPH-09-2016-0052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-9200

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Although incarceration may have life-long negative health effects, little is known about associations between child incarceration and subsequent adult health outcomes. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach: The authors analyzed data from 14, 689 adult participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to compare adult health outcomes among those first incarcerated between 7 and 13 years of age (child incarceration); first incarcerated at>or=14 years of age; and never incarcerated. Findings: Compared to the other two groups, those with a history of child incarceration were disproportionately black or Hispanic, male, and from lower socio-economic strata. Additionally, individuals incarcerated as children had worse adult health outcomes, including general health, functional limitations (climbing stairs), depressive symptoms, and suicidality, than those first incarcerated at older ages or never incarcerated. Research limitations/implications: Despite the limitations of the secondary database analysis, these findings suggest that incarcerated children are an especially medically vulnerable population. Practical implications: Programs and policies that address these medically vulnerable children's health needs through comprehensive health and social services in place of, during, and/or after incarceration are needed. Social implications: Meeting these unmet health and social service needs offers an important opportunity to achieve necessary health care and justice reform for children. Originality/value: No prior studies have examined the longitudinal relationship between child incarceration and adult health outcomes.