Environmental risk factors for self-harm during imprisonment: A pilot prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Self-harm is a major public health issue in the imprisoned population. Limited high-quality evidence exists for the potential impact of prison environmental factors such as solitary confinement. This exploratory pilot prospective cohort study in a large male remand prison in England sought to estimate effect sizes for a comprehensive range of prison environmental factors in relation to self-harming behaviours.

Methods

A random sample of all prisoners (N = 149) starting a period of imprisonment at the study prison took part in a clinical research interview, which assessed a range of known risk factors for self-harm in prison. Information concerning environmental factors, including staff numbers, cell placement and movements, and engagement in work and activities

SUBMITTER: Stephenson T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11793820 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature