MEDIA RELEASE 	Media embargo – 1 June 2011
Prisoners face future health risks
Ex-prisoners have a high chance of being admitted to hospital within one year of their release.
This is the finding from a study published in the June issue of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
Dr Janine Alan and colleagues from the University of Western Australia found that one in five adults released from prison were hospitalised within 12 months.
Aboriginals, females and those suffering from mental health problems were the most likely to be admitted to hospital following release from prison.
Mental and behavioural disorders were the most common reasons, notably schizophrenia, depression, and alcohol or other drug use.
“These findings highlight the importance of mental health services that target both those who are incarcerated and those who have been recently released,” said co-author David Preen.
“Prisoners released into the community ‘conditionally’ (e.g. on parole) had a lower risk of hospitalisation.”
“This suggests that contact with the community corrections system following release may have protective effects.”
“Prisoners are some of the most marginalised members of the Australian population. They have complex needs that the community must meet.” 
ENDS
For more information about this research, contact the research author: 
Associate Professor David Preen, School of Population Health, The University of Western Australia.  Phone: 08 6488 1307; e-mail: david.preen@uwa.edu.au

MEDIA ONLY: To receive a PDF of the paper or for more information about ANZJPH, contact: Peta Neilson ANZJPH Administration Ph: (03) 9329 3535
E-mail: anzjph@substitution.com.au

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is published by the Public Health Association of Australia. Information on the Association and the Journal can be found at http://www.phaa.net.au