Smoking Beyond Prison Bans: The Impact of Prison Tobacco Bans on Smoking Among Prison Entrants.

This study aims to determine whether previous exposure to a total prison smoking ban is associated with a reduction in daily smoking postrelease and to identify the factors associated with daily tobacco use. Demographics, incarceration history, and substance use data were collected from the 2016 National Prisoner Entrants' Blood Borne Virus Survey for 389 Australian prison entrants. Predictors of daily smoking among those exposed to a smoking ban were illicit drug use and Indigenous status. No significant association was found between current daily smoking and recent exposure to a prison smoking ban, suggesting that the majority of Australian prisoners exposed to a tobacco ban while incarcerated will return to smoking once released. Complementary and culturally specific interventions supporting abstinence postrelease should be considered.

Risky alcohol consumption prior to incarceration: A cross-sectional study of drinking patterns among Australian prison entrants.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Risky alcohol consumption is linked to poor health and criminal justice outcomes. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of risky drinking in a sample of recently incarcerated Australians. DESIGN AND METHODS: Consecutive cross-sectional data were collected from prisoners residing in 19 correctional facilities in six Australian states and territories as part of the National Prison Entrants' Bloodborne Virus and Risk Behaviour Survey Report. The sample consisted of 389 prisoners (339 men, 50 women). Risky alcohol consumption was estimated using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Condensed questionnaire, with a cut-off score of ≥6. Potential correlates of risky alcohol consumption were assessed utilising univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Over one-third (34.5%) of prisoners who were screened met the criteria for risky alcohol consumption. The five factors found to be independently and positively associated with risky alcohol consumption were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) status, incarceration in prison in the Northern Territory, heavy tobacco use, cannabis use and abstinence from drugs in the 4 weeks prior to incarceration. Additionally, risky alcohol consumption was associated with current or past hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight that risky alcohol consumption is common among prisoners across Australia. This is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes and re-offending, suggesting a need for alcohol interventions targeting prisoners.