Development on Strategies for Holistic Health Promotion of Prisoners in Loei Provincial Prison

Abstract

Introduction:  Prisoners are considered a vulnerable group with limited access to health services leading to insufficient quality service to meet the needs. Strategic development was the mechanism and method to promote holistic health of prisoners. And when the prisoners have been released, they would return to the society as healthy people.  

Research objectives: The study aimed to: (a) develop a holistic health promotion strategy

for prisoners in Loei Provincial Prison; and (b) evaluate strategies under the concept of holistic health promotion under the National Health Act 2007.

Research methodology: This study used a mixed-method design both quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants in quantitative part included 350 prisoners, and 56 informants in qualitative part. Study was conducted from April 2020 to April 2021 and divided into 3 phases.  Phase 1, this phase aimed to examine the problems and needs for holistic health promotion activities requested by the prisoners. Instruments used in this phase were questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Phase 2, this phase aimed to develop the holistic health   promotion strategy for prisoners using brainstorming participation method, and SWOT analysis as a framework for brainstorming. Phase 3, this phase aimed to assess the holistic health promotion strategy for prisoners using a questionnaire.  Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, and standard deviation). Qualitative data  were analyzed using  content analysis.

Results: Results showed that in phase 1, the present activities and the engagement in the activities of the prisoners was at a moderate level (mean=3.25, SD=.86) with congested confinement problem, uninteresting activity, and under staff of nursing providers, and need for more lecturers and external networks. In phase 2, a vision as “Loei Provincial Prison focusing on holistic care and integrated health care of prisoners” was emerged. It consists of 2 missions covering 4 health dimensions, namely physical, mental, social, and economic. There were 6 strategies as follows: 1) promotion, 2) prevention, 3) medical treatment, 4) rehabilitation, 5) referral, and 6) health system support. In phase 3, the strategic evaluation for suitability, relevancy to policy, and possibility for implementation were at the highest level (mean=4.60, SD=.55).

Conclusion: Holistic Health Promotion Strategies for prisoners in Loei Provincial Prison should cover all dimensions of health and health care dimensions along with support and development of the health system. This strategy helps prisoners to properly take care of their health, adapt themselves to the environment, living together, and support each other.

Implications: Results from the study could be applied in other prisons to promote the holistic health of prisoners covering health dimensions and health care dimensions