Attending to cardiovascular disease risk factors after incarceration: A study of empowerment and structural barriers to care.

Incarceration in the United States is associated with high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and elevated CVD risk continues into the immediate period following release from prison. One reason may be that people who are released from incarceration experience difficulties accessing healthcare and navigating the healthcare system. We use empowerment theory to describe the experiences of people after release from incarceration who have been diagnosed with or affected by risk factors for CVD, specifically focusing on ways in which they overcome barriers within the United States' medical system. We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected in Baltimore, MD in 2019. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and interactive discussion forums with 98 people who were previously incarcerated and 19 key informants. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis guided by the theoretical constructs of powerlessness and empowerment. Individuals who were formerly incarcerated described feeling empowered primarily through personal motivation, maintaining a positive mindset and receiving support from within the system. They also listed a number of structural barriers they faced and repeatedly suggested a desire for improved access to healthcare and a greater understanding of the healthcare system. Efforts to develop a straightforward and easily accessible support system can promote empowerment and encourage a successful return to society and should be prioritised.

A roadmap for cardiovascular care after release from incarceration: uses of a smartphone application.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors disproportionately affect people returning from incarceration. These individuals face multiple barriers to obtaining care, which can impact CVD and risk factor management and may be mitigated through use of a smartphone application (app). Therefore, we explored the CVD-related needs of people released from incarceration and which app features would support these needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2019, we collected qualitative data through 7 focus groups with 76 returning citizens and 19 key informants through interviews and small group discussions in Baltimore, Maryland. Verbal data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic coding with N-Vivo qualitative software. RESULTS: Returning citizens face multiple barriers when trying to engage in care and services related to cardiovascular health, including around medications and health insurance. Some major challenges were identifying trusted social services and making cardiovascular health a priority. Findings suggested that CVD risk factors could be more effectively addressed in combination with attending to other pressing needs related to employment, housing, behavioral health, and building trust. Participants suggested that a smartphone app would be most useful if it broadly addressed these issues by linking returning citizens to social services, including recommendations from peers, and facilitating access to healthcare. DISCUSSION: Returning citizens need broad support for societal reintegration. Addressing social issues would allow them to focus on cardiovascular health. CONCLUSION: Given the challenges experienced after release from incarceration, an app focused on social and health-access issues may help returning citizens meet their CVD needs.