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SeyedAlinaghi S, Yarmohammadi S, Farahani Rad F, Rasheed MA, Javaherian M, Afsahi AM, Siami H, Bagheri A, Zand A, Dadras O, Mehraeen E. Prevalence of COVID-19 in prison population: a meta-analysis of 35 studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRISON HEALTH 2024; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 39267228 DOI: 10.1108/ijoph-01-2024-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the restricted and enclosed nature of prisons and closed environments and the prolonged and close contact between individuals, COVID-19 is more likely to have a higher incidence in these settings. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among prisoners. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Papers published in English from 2019 to July 7, 2023, were identified using relevant keywords such as prevalence, COVID-19 and prisoner in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. For the meta-analysis of the prevalence, Cochrane's Q statistics were calculated. A random effect model was used due to the heterogeneity in COVID-19 prevalence across included studies in the meta-analysis. All analyses were performed in STATA-13. FINDINGS The pooled data presented a COVID-19 prevalence of 20% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.26] and 24% [95%CI: 0.07, 0.41], respectively, in studies that used PCR and antibody tests. Furthermore, two study designs, cross-sectional and cohort, were used. The results of the meta-analysis showed studies with cross-sectional and cohort designs reported 20% [95%CI: 0.11, 0.29] and 25% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.38], respectively. ORIGINALITY/VALUE Through more meticulous planning, it is feasible to reduce the number of individuals in prison cells, thereby preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ali Zand
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Dadras
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mehraeen
- Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran and Department of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
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Bretaña NA, Kwon JA, Grant L, Galouzis J, McGrath C, Hoey W, Blogg J, Lloyd AR, Gray RT. Controlling COVID-19 outbreaks in the correctional setting: A mathematical modelling study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303062. [PMID: 38758971 PMCID: PMC11101071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Correctional centres (termed here 'prisons') are at high risk of COVID-19 and have featured major outbreaks worldwide. Inevitable close contacts, frequent inmate movements, and a disproportionate burden of co-morbidities mean these environments need to be prioritised in any public health response to respiratory pathogens such as COVID-19. We developed an individual-based SARS-CoV-2 transmission model for the prison system in New South Wales, Australia - incorporating all 33 correctional centres, 13,458 inmates, 578 healthcare and 6,909 custodial staff. Potential COVID-19 disease outbreaks were assessed under various mitigation strategies, including quarantine on entry, isolation of cases, rapid antigen testing of staff, as well as immunisation.Without control measures, the model projected a peak of 472 new infections daily by day 35 across the prison system, with all inmates infected by day 120. The most effective individual mitigation strategies were high immunisation coverage and prompt lockdown of centres with infected inmates which reduced outbreak size by 62-73%. Other than immunisation, the combination of quarantine of inmates at entry, isolation of proven or suspected cases, and widespread use of personal protective equipment by staff and inmates was the most effective strategy. High immunisation coverage mitigates the spread of COVID-19 within and between correctional settings but is insufficient alone. Maintaining quarantine and isolation, along with high immunisation levels, will allow correctional systems to function with a low risk of outbreaks. These results have informed public health policy for respiratory pathogens in Australian correctional systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Arvin Bretaña
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Jisoo A. Kwon
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Colette McGrath
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy Hoey
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network NSW, Australia
| | - James Blogg
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard T Gray
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Stasi C, Pacifici M, Milli C, Profili F, Silvestri C, Voller F. Prevalence and features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in prisons in Tuscany. World J Exp Med 2024; 14:87551. [PMID: 38590301 PMCID: PMC10999062 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v14.i1.87551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people forced to share them. AIM To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in prisons, this study evaluated the infection incidence rate in prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs. METHODS This is an observational cohort study. Data collection included information on prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and the results. Nasopharyngeal swab tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed between 15 February 2021 and 31 May 2021 for prisoners with symptoms and all new arrivals to the facility. Another section included information on the diagnosis of the disease according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification. RESULTS Up until the 31 May 2021, 79.2% of the prisoner cohort (n = 1744) agreed to a nasopharyngeal swab test (n = 1381). Of these, 1288 were negative (93.3%) and 85 were positive (6.2%). A significant association [relative risk (RR)] was found only for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among foreigners compared to Italians [RR = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-4.8]. A positive association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was also found for inmates with at least one nervous system disorder (RR = 4, 95%CI: 1.8-9.1). The SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate among prisoners is significantly lower than in the general population in Tuscany (standardized incidence ratio 0.7, 95%CI: 0.6-0.9). CONCLUSION In the prisoner cohort, screening and rapid access to health care for the immigrant population were critical to limiting virus transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Stasi
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence 50141, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Martina Pacifici
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - Caterina Milli
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - Francesco Profili
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - Caterina Silvestri
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - Fabio Voller
- Epidemiology Unit, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Florence 50141, Italy
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Shabir A, Alkubaisi NA, Shafiq A, Salman M, Baraka MA, Mustafa ZU, Khan YH, Malhi TH, Meyer JC, Godman B. COVID-19 Vaccination Status as Well as Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Hesitancy among Prisoners and the Implications. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1081. [PMID: 37376470 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prisoners form a population who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to overcrowding, limited movement, and a poor living environment. Consequently, there is a need to ascertain the status of COVID-19 vaccination and factors associated with hesitancy among prisoners. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was undertaken among prisoners at three district jails in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A total of 381 prisoners participated and none of the study participants had received an influenza vaccine this year. In total, 53% received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with the majority having two doses. The top three reasons of vaccine acceptance were "fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection" (56.9%), "desire to return to a pre-pandemic routine as soon as possible" (56.4%), and "having no doubts on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines" (39.6%). There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in any demographic variables between vaccinated and unvaccinated prisoners except for age, which was strongly association with COVID-19 vaccine uptake (χ2(3) = 76.645, p < 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.457). Among the unvaccinated prisoners (N = 179), only 16 subsequently showed willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The top three reasons for hesitancy were: COVID-19 is not a real problem/disease (60.1%), safety concerns (51.1%), and COVID-19 vaccine is a conspiracy (50.3%). Efforts are needed to address their concerns given this population's risks and high hesitancy rates, especially among younger prisoners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Shabir
- Department of Medicines, Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Noorah A Alkubaisi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amna Shafiq
- Department of Medicines, Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed A Baraka
- Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, AlAin Campus, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan 57400, Pakistan
| | - Yusra Habib Khan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tauqeer Hussain Malhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
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Trombetta CM, Marchi S, Leonardi M, Stufano A, Lorusso E, Montomoli E, Decaro N, Buonvino N, Lovreglio P. Evaluation of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants after 2 doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a correctional facility. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2153537. [PMID: 36503363 PMCID: PMC9766467 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2153537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed a challenge for correctional facilities worldwide. People in such settings are more vulnerable to severe forms of infection and it is impossible to completely isolate inmates from the outside world. This study aimed to assess the antibody-mediated immune response in terms of neutralizing antibodies against Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Omicron (sub-lineage BA.1) variants of concern after two doses of mRNA vaccine in correctional officers and inmates from an Italian correctional facility. Most of the correctional officers (56.5%) and inmates (52.3% and 63.6%) retained their neutralizing activity toward the Alpha and Gamma variants, respectively. By contrast, the most striking reduction in comparison with the ancestral virus was found in the antibody response toward the Beta and Omicron variants, in both correctional officers (91.2% and 93.9%) and inmates (85.1% and 92.8%). In addition, subjects who had undergone primary vaccination and had previously been naturally infected had higher neutralizing antibody titers toward the 4 variants than negative subjects. Overall, our findings indicate that primary mRNA vaccination is able to induce neutralizing antibodies toward the ancestral virus, while titers toward variants may vary, depending on the mutations harboring by the variants. Although the correctional setting is often considered distinct or isolated from the wider society and sanitary system, the health of correctional workers and prisoners is inexorably linked to the public health of the country as a whole and it is of paramount importance to monitor the antibody response in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Maria Trombetta
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,CONTACT Claudia Maria Trombetta Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena53100, Italy
| | - Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Angela Stufano
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lorusso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,VisMederi Research srl, Siena, Italy,VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Buonvino
- U.O.C. Penitentiary Medicine - Department of Territorial Care, Bari Local Health Authority, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Mental Health of Nurses Working in a Judicial Psychiatry Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: An Online Survey. MEDICAL SCIENCES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:medsci10040061. [PMID: 36412902 PMCID: PMC9680444 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10040061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The onset of this new pandemic has highlighted the numerous critical issues at the organizational level, which involve both national healthcare and the judicial system. For this reason, nurses working in prisons may exhibit a poor quality of life, mainly related to their high level of work stress. This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the emotional state of nurses working in the Judicial Psychiatry Hospital of Barcellona PG (Messina, Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection occurred twice: from 1 April to 20 May 2020 (i.e., during the Italian lockdown) and from 15 October to 31 December 2021 (during the second wave). At baseline, the 35 enrolled nurses presented medium to high levels of stress. At T1, they had a reduction in perceived personal achievement (MBI-PR p = 0.01), an increase in emotional exhaustion (MBI-EE p < 0.001), and stress (PSS p = 0.03), as well as anxiety (STAI Y1/Y2 p < 0.001). Most participants underlined the high usability of the online system (SUS: 69.50/SD 19.9). We also found increased stress, anxiety, and burnout risk in nursing staff. The study clearly demonstrates that the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy caused a worsening of mental health among nurses working in prisons. We believe that monitoring the mental state of healthcare professionals is fundamental to improving their quality of life and healthcare services.
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