MyMedR

Fulltext Continuity of opioid substitution treatment between prison and community in Southeast Asia: A scoping review

Loh DA, Plugge E, Van Hout MC

Int J Drug Policy, 2023 Feb;112:103957.

PMID: 36693296 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103957

BACKGROUND: Criminalisation of drug use and compulsory detention has largely characterised the Southeast Asia region's response to people who use drugs. Whilst access to and provision of healthcare for people living in prison are mandated by international human rights standards, many opioid dependent people living in prison continue to lack access to opioid substitution treatment (OST) during incarceration, and face uncertainties of continuity of care beyond the prison gate.

METHODS: A scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework mapped what is currently known about the continuity of OST post-release in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the three countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam) that provide OST in at least one prison. A multi-lingual systematic search (English, Malay, Indonesian, Vietnamese) on Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library collected and reviewed extant relevant published empirical and grey literature including government reports between 2011 and 2021. Of the 365 records found, 18 were eligible for inclusion following removal of duplicates and application of exclusion criteria. These records were charted and thematically analysed.

RESULTS: Three main themes were generated: Facilitators of post release continuity of care, Barriers to post release continuity of care and Therapeutic considerations supporting post release continuity of care. When individual and structural gaps exist, disruptions to continuity of OST care post release are observed. Adequate methadone dosage of >80mg/day appears significantly associated with retention in post-release OST.

CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights the facilitators, barriers and therapeutic considerations of continuity of care of OST between prison and community for people living in prisons from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Improving community services with family support are key to supporting continued OST adherence post release along with reducing societal stigma towards people who use drugs and those entering or leaving prison. Further efforts are warranted to ensure parity, quality and continuity of OST care post release.

Matched MeSH terms: Prisons

Fulltext Scaling up evidence-based approaches to tuberculosis screening in prisons

Charalambous S, Velen K, Rueda Z, Croda J, Herce ME, Shenoi SV, et al.

Lancet Public Health, 2023 Apr;8(4):e305-e310.

PMID: 36780916 DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00002-6

People deprived of liberty have among the highest rates of tuberculosis globally. The incidence of tuberculosis is ten times greater than the incidence of tuberculosis in the general population. In 2021, WHO updated its guidance to strongly recommend systematic screening for tuberculosis in prisons and penitentiary systems. Which case-finding strategies should be adopted, and how to effectively implement these strategies in these settings, will be crucial questions facing ministries of health and justice. In this Viewpoint, we review the evidence base for tuberculosis screening and diagnostic strategies in prisons, highlighting promising approaches and knowledge gaps. Drawing upon past experiences of implementing active case-finding and care programmes in settings with a high tuberculosis burden, we discuss challenges and opportunities for improving the tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment cascade in these settings. We argue that improved transparency in reporting of tuberculosis notifications and outcomes in prisons and renewed focus and resourcing from WHO and other stakeholders will be crucial for building the commitment and investments needed from countries to address the continued crisis of tuberculosis in prisons.

Matched MeSH terms: Prisons

Notes on polyneuritis in the Singapore gaol during 1911

Sheppard WS

Malaya Medical Journal, 1911;9:52-55.

Matched MeSH terms: Prisons

Fulltext Tuberculosis control in prisons: current situation and research gaps

Dara M, Acosta CD, Melchers NV, Al-Darraji HA, Chorgoliani D, Reyes H, et al.

Int J Infect Dis, 2015 Mar;32:111-7.

PMID: 25809766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.12.029

Tuberculosis (TB) in penitentiary services (prisons) is a major challenge to TB control. This review article describes the challenges that prison systems encounter in TB control and provides solutions for the more efficient use of limited resources based on the three pillars of the post-2015 End TB Strategy. This paper also proposes research priorities for TB control in prisons based on current challenges.

Matched MeSH terms: Prisons*

Prisoners, prisons, and HIV: time for reform

Beyrer C, Kamarulzaman A, McKee M, Lancet HIV in Prisoners Group

Lancet, 2016 Sep 10;388(10049):1033-1035.

PMID: 27427447 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30829-7

Matched MeSH terms: Prisoners*; Prisons*

Fulltext Report on the outbreak of beri-beri in the criminal prison, Singapore (continuation)

Rowell TI

Ind Med Gaz, 1881 Apr 01;16(4):122.

PMID: 28999059

Matched MeSH terms: Prisons*

Fulltext Report on the outbreak of beri-beri in the criminal prison, Singapore