Health risk behaviors: prevention priorities among Portuguese incarcerated males

Incarcerated people have been identified as a vulnerable population prone to health risk behaviors (HRBs). This study aims to compare a set of HRBs in Portuguese incarcerated males with a community-matched control group and explore the influence of social-emotional competences and self-control on these behaviors. The authors expect that incarcerated males would present more HRBs in comparison to the community sample.

The study included 573 participants (312 incarcerated males and 251 males from the community).

Incarcerated males exhibited higher rates of HRBs, including early sexual initiation, smoking, early drug initiation, drug use, self-harm, suicide attempts and violent conduct. Self-control emerged as a mediator between social-emotional competences and HRBs.

These findings have significant implications for preventive policies and public health initiatives, shedding light on health risk dynamics within this vulnerable population. Urgent interventions are needed to address incarcerated males' health and well-being, with a specific focus on enhancing self-control for risk reduction.