Identifying the public health needs of a UK probation cohort: a cross-sectional analysis

The health needs of those under probation are likely high, but they have received very little public health attention. Limited evidence exists on the public health needs and interventions to support this cohort.

Surveys were completed by 257 people on probation as part of a local health needs assessment. Results were compared with the general population responses from the National Survey for Wales (2021-22).

People on probation were 4.2 times more likely to self-report not-good general health (fair, bad or very bad) than the general population (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 4.2, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 3.2-5.4). The odds of having a mental health condition were over eight times higher than the general population (aOR 8.8, 95% CI 6.8-11.4). Prevalence of smoking (52%), drug use (60%), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (21%), autism (4%) and dyslexia (15%) were all higher than the general population. General Practitioner usage and hospital stays were higher, but dentist or optician usage lower than the general population (P < 0.05). Emergency departments were accessed by 35%, with 9% frequenting them three or more times.

People on probation have poorer self-reported health, higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviours and higher accessing of reactive health services than the general population.