Exploring health and wellbeing in prison: a peer research approach
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 24 September 2019
Issue publication date: 10 February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Those in prison have expert knowledge of issues affecting their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this paper is to report on work undertaken with male prisoners. This paper presents learning and findings from the process of engaging imprisoned men as peer researchers.
Design/methodology/approach
The peer researcher approach offers an emic perspective to understand the experience of being in prison. The authors established the peer research role as an educational initiative at a long-stay prison in Wales, UK to determine the feasibility of engaging imprisoned men as peer researchers. Focus groups, interviews and questionnaires were used by the peer researchers to identify the health and wellbeing concerns of men in prison.
Findings
The project positively demonstrated the feasibility of engaging imprisoned men as peer researchers. Four recurring themes affecting health and wellbeing for men in a prison vulnerable persons unit were identified: communication, safety, respect and emotional needs. Themes were inextricably linked demonstrating the complex relationships between prison and health.
Originality/value
This was the first prison peer-research project to take place in Wales, UK. It demonstrates the value men in prison can play in developing the evidence base around health and wellbeing in prison, contributing to changes within the prison to improve health and wellbeing for all.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This project was funded from the Foundation of Nursing Science (FoNS) Practice Development Fund. The authors would like to thank staff at HMP & YOI Parc for their support of this work. Particular thanks go to Karen Wright, Cecile Boutet, Lisette Saunders and Ian Coles. In memory of Jess Bowen who was instrumental in the success of this work.
Citation
Perrett, S.E., Gray, B.J., G., L., E., D. and Brooks, N.J. (2020), "Exploring health and wellbeing in prison: a peer research approach", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 78-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-03-2019-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited