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Paynter MJ, Norman WV. The Intersection of Abortion and Criminalization: Abortion Access for People in Prisons. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 40:264-267. [PMID: 36535662 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Most incarcerated women are of reproductive age, and more than a third of women will have an abortion during their reproductive years. Although women are the fastest growing population in Canadian prisons, no one has studied the effect of their incarceration on access to abortion services. Studies outside of Canada indicate rates of abortion are higher among people experiencing incarceration than in the general population, and that abortion access is often problematic. Although international standards for abortion care among incarcerated populations exist, there conversely appear to be no Canadian guidelines or procedures to facilitate unintended pregnancy prevention or management. Barriers to abortion care inequitably restrict people with unintended pregnancy from attaining education and employment opportunities, cause entrenchment in violent relationships, and prevent people from choosing to parent when they are ready and able. Understanding and facilitating equitable access to abortion care for incarcerated people is critical to address structural, gender-, and race-based reproductive health inequities, and to promote reproductive justice. There is an urgent need for research in this area to direct best practices in clinical care and support policies capable to ensure equal access to abortion care for incarcerated people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha J Paynter
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - Wendy V Norman
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Moghimi E, Knyahnytska Y, Omrani M, Nikjoo N, Stephenson C, Layzell G, Frederic Simpson AI, Alavi N. Benefits of Digital Mental Health Care Interventions for Correctional Workers and Other Public Safety Personnel: A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:921527. [PMID: 35873240 PMCID: PMC9304966 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.921527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stressors and potentially psychologically traumatic events contributes to the high prevalence of mental health disorders in correctional workers (CWs) and other public safety personnel (PSP). Digital mental health interventions are an accessible and scalable method of improving and maintaining the mental health of this population. The current review explores the benefits of digital mental health interventions for PSP-with a focus on CWs-and how these innovations can address the limitations in in-person mental health care. A systematic literature search of five databases (Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar) was conducted until March 2022. The search yielded 16 publications that focused on digital mental health interventions or care available to CWs and other PSP. The benefits of digital innovations were summarized into five categories which discussed (1) their ability to enhance accessibility and reduce stigma; (2) the provision of evidence-based and structured psychotherapy programs; (3) variability in the degree of therapist engagement; (4) the integration of proactive interventions; and (5) enhancing engagement by acknowledging unique experiences and interpersonal relationships. Although digital mental health technologies for CWs are still in their infancy, there is strong evidence to support their effectiveness in ameliorating symptoms of mental distress. Future research should consider how ethnicity, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status can be integrated into these therapies and how the interplay between different stakeholders and organizations can impact the effectiveness of online therapies and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Niloofar Nikjoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Callum Stephenson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Gina Layzell
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Moghimi E, Knyahnytska Y, Zhu Y, Kumar A, Knyahnytski A, Patel C, Omrani M, Gerritsen C, Martin M, Simpson AIF, Alavi N. A qualitative exploration of the mental health challenges and therapeutic needs of Canadian correctional workers. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1004143. [PMID: 36386978 PMCID: PMC9641701 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1004143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Correctional work is described as a high-stress environment associated with increased prevalence of mental health disorders in employees. Identifying appropriate healthcare services necessitates investigating the mental health challenges and needs of correctional workers (CWs). METHODS Individual interviews (n = 9; 5 M and 4 W) and a mixed gender focus group (n = 6; 3 M and 3 W) were conducted to gather a general sense of the mental health landscape. Data were analyzed to develop a targeted and comprehensive question guide for gender-specific focus groups (n = 14 unique participants; 6 M and 8 W). RESULTS Eight themes emerged from the gender-specific focus groups. Themes focusing on work culture described the negative repercussions of job stress and the inability to discuss challenges openly due to confidentiality concerns and feelings of seclusion associated with the CW profession. Men were more likely to be subjected to physical violence and women to emotional and sexual harassment from staff and inmates. Themes related to mental health care described the benefits and limitations of the current services and digital mental healthcare. Stigma and accessibility were notable treatment barriers. Lastly, sector-specific therapy was seen as an important component in enhancing engagement and therapist interaction. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the interconnection between work culture and CW mental health that needs to be acknowledged when addressing mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Yiran Zhu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anchan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cory Gerritsen
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Martin
- Correctional Service of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Horan KA, Marks M, Ruiz J, Bowers C, Cunningham A. Here for My Peer: The Future of First Responder Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111097. [PMID: 34769617 PMCID: PMC8582745 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Workplace interventions that leverage social tactics to improve health and well-being are becoming more common. As an example, peer mental health support interventions aim to reduce stigma and promote treatment seeking in first responder populations. Given the social nature of these interventions, it is important to consider how the preexisting social context influences intervention outcomes. A peer mental health support intervention was delivered among first responders, and self-efficacy and intention to have supportive peer conversations were measured pre-and post-intervention. Trust in peers was measured prior to the intervention. Results suggest a floor effect may exist for self-efficacy, in which a foundational level of trust and pre-intervention self-efficacy may be needed to maximize intervention effectiveness. As the future of work brings complex safety and health challenges, collaborative solutions that engage multiple stakeholders (employees, their peers, and their organization) will be needed. This study suggests that more frequent attention to pre-existing intervention context, particularly social context in peer-focused intervention, will enhance intervention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A. Horan
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (J.R.); (C.B.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(407)-823-0674
| | - Madeline Marks
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Jessica Ruiz
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (J.R.); (C.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Clint Bowers
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (J.R.); (C.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Annelise Cunningham
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (J.R.); (C.B.); (A.C.)
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