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Health Decline in Prison and the Effects of Sporting Activity: Results of the Hessian Prison Sports Study
[working paper]
Abstract Previous studies about health in prisons conclude that incarceration has detrimental consequences for physical and mental health. It is associated with weight gain, decreased fitness, increased cardiovascular risks, and increased risks for mental illnesses, like
depression and anxiety. This articl... view more
Previous studies about health in prisons conclude that incarceration has detrimental consequences for physical and mental health. It is associated with weight gain, decreased fitness, increased cardiovascular risks, and increased risks for mental illnesses, like
depression and anxiety. This article examines the relationships between sports activity and
health developments among prisoners. We analyze data from the Hessian Prison Sports
Study, conducted in 12 prisons of the federal state of Hesse, Germany. Based on
quantitative survey data of 568 prisoners in regular custody, our empirical findings show that
inmates perceive substantial health declines since incarceration. They report substantial
decreases in general health (d=-0.52) and life satisfaction (d=-0.84) as well as an increased
number of health problems (d=0.71). However, sport has a potential to buffer this decline of
health. Prisoners engaged in sports report a less negative development of their health
compared to inactive prisoners. The greater the amount of time spent with sports activities, the
better are the health trajectories found. Findings add to the public health and prison sport literature by demonstrating health benefits of sporting activities in a vulnerable population group that almost inevitably is exposed to manifold strains and burdens.... view less
Keywords
execution of sentence; correctional institution; health consequences; psychological consequences; prisoner; physical exercise; sports; health status; satisfaction with life; health promotion; Hesse; Federal Republic of Germany
Classification
Health Policy
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
21 p.
Status
Preprint; not reviewed
Licence
Creative Commons - Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0