Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder among incarcerated men

J Urban Health. 2014 Aug;91(4):707-19. doi: 10.1007/s11524-014-9871-x.

Abstract

Trauma exposure and trauma-related symptoms are prevalent among incarcerated men, suggesting a need for behavioral health intervention. A random sample of adult males (N = 592) residing in a single high-security prison were screened for trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Trauma was a universal experience among incarcerated men. Rates of current PTSD symptoms and lifetime PTSD were significantly higher (30 to 60 %) than rates found in the general male populations (3 to 6 %). Lifetime rates of trauma and PTSD were associated with psychiatric disorders. This study suggests the need for a gender-sensitive response to trauma among incarcerated men with modification for comorbid mental disorders and type of trauma exposure. Developing gender-sensitive trauma interventions for incarcerated men and testing them is necessary to improve the behavioral health outcomes of incarcerated men who disproportionately return to urban communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pennsylvania / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Prisoners / psychology
  • Prisoners / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy*