Background/objectives: Research on prisoners is limited and demonstrates a group with disproportionate numbers from disadvantaged backgrounds, known to have a high burden of disease, much of which is diet related. The aim of this study was to gauge the presence of markers of chronic disease, as a basis for food and nutrition policy in prisons.
Subjects/methods: A cross-sectional study design was used with a convenience sample of prisoners in a male 945 bed high secure facility. Face-to-face interviews with physical measures of height, weight, body fat, waist circumference and blood pressure were collected along with fasting bloods. Data were confirmed with facility records, observations and staff interviews. Full ethics approval was obtained. Results were compared with studies of Australian prisoners and the general population.
Results: The mean age was 35.5 years (n=120). Prevalence rates were as follows: obesity 14%, diabetes 5%, hypertension 26.7% and smoking 55.8%. Self-report of daily physical activity was 84%, with 51% participating ⩾2 times daily. Standard food provision was consistent with dietary recommendations, except that sodium was high. Where fasting bloods were obtained (n=78), dyslipidaemia was 56.4% with the metabolic syndrome (MS) present in 26%.
Conclusions: Prevalence of diabetes and heart disease risk appear similar to the general population; however, obesity was lower and smoking higher. The data provide evidence that markers of chronic disease are present, with this the first study to describe the MS in prisoners. Food and nutrition policy in this setting is complex and should address the duty of care issues that exist.