The Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases in Prisons
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Behavioural Risk Factors in Prisons
IRAS ID
143923
Contact name
Nat Wright
Contact email
Research summary
Diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes are known as ‘non-communicable diseases’ (NCDs). Cigarette smoking, unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity contribute to these conditions. NCDs are a health issue for many prisoners. Whilst the evidence for peer-led interventions is equivocal in mainstream populations, there is increasing evidence that peer-based approaches in prisons can be effective in supporting healthcare delivery and health improvement amongst prisoners, many of whom struggle to trust or engage with mainstream services. The research team are interested to investigate how a peer-led intervention, that is, a form of support that is led and delivered by trained prisoners for other prisoners, might help prisoners to lead healthier lifestyles and make them less likely to suffer from NCDs. Therefore, in order to achieve this, first the researchers will undertake a prevalence study to establish an accurate and up-to-date picture of the prevalence of NCDs and associated behavioural risk factors within the prison setting.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/0004
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion