A descriptive study of chronic and mental illness multi- and comorbidity among older adults incarcerated in a state...

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of chronic illness, multimorbidity, mental illness and comorbidity among older adults incarcerated in a Mid-South state prison system.

This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, gathering data through face-to-face interviews with older adults (n = 499) incarcerated in five state prisons in Kentucky.

Uncovered was a substantial prevalence of chronic diseases and mental health disorders among older adults incarcerated in a Mid-South state prison system. Specifically, hypertension was reported by 65.5% of the participants, arthritis by 52.3% and diabetes by 23%. In terms of mental health, significant findings included that 34% of the older adult population scored above the threshold for major depression, and over one-third met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Constrained by its cross-sectional design, the study may not reflect changes in chronic and mental health conditions over time. The predominantly white demographic of the Kentucky state prison system limits the generalizability of findings to more racially diverse populations.

Findings highlight the need for integrated health-care models within prison systems to address the complex, coexisting chronic and mental health conditions among older inmates.

These findings illuminate the substantial social implications of inadequate health care for aging incarcerated persons, revealing a pressing public health issue within correctional facilities.

The study highlights the often-overlooked demographic of older adults within the correctional system, particularly within a specific geographical region of the Mid-South, which is known for its higher disease prevalence. It contributes valuable insights into the multimorbidity and comorbidity of chronic and mental health conditions among incarcerated older adults.