Health Issues for Aboriginal Offenders

• NCJ Number: 199344
• Journal: Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 20-23
• Author(s): Amey Bell; Nicole Crutcher
• Date Published: May 2002
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

This article discusses health issues facing incarcerated Aboriginal offenders.

Abstract

Aboriginal people represent approximately 2 percent of the adult population, while Aboriginal offenders comprise 17 percent of the Federal incarcerated population. The numerous health issues of the incarcerated Aboriginal offender population has become a concern for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). The majority of health research on Aboriginal people has been conducted on First Nations and Inuit populations, and to a much lesser extent, on Metis. The life expectancy of the Aboriginal population has been reported to be lower than the Canadian population in general. The majority of research completed on physical non-communicable diseases for Aboriginal people focuses on diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and rheumatism. HIV/AIDS has dramatically affected the Aboriginal population in Canada. There are a number of other areas that directly affect the health of Aboriginal people including substance abuse, nicotine, suicide, and mental illness. The incidence of alcohol, drug, and solvent abuse appears to be much higher in some Aboriginal communities than in other parts of Canada. Many health-related problems faced by Aboriginal people in general are greatly intensified for Aboriginal people incarcerated in correctional facilities. Aboriginal offenders continue to be at a greater risk than non-incarcerated Aboriginals for developing, spreading, and contracting diseases, especially in an environment that is characterized by a sedentary lifestyle, violence, stress, and unsanitary accommodations. More research is needed in all health-related areas for the Aboriginal offender population to help health services inform the development and improvement of education programs, treatment models, and assist in the safe reintegration of Aboriginal offenders in the community. 31 notes