Primary care in a penal institution. A study of health care problems encountered

The kinds of health care problems encountered in a 600-man panel institution were studied. Five hundred twenty-eight problems were identified in 333 inmates seen on sick call. The large number of psychosocial problems (194 out of 528) and the wide diversity of problems (125 in 333 inmates) were documented. The questionable suitability of the medical model for health care in this type of setting is discussed. The implications for primary health care delivery and education are considered.