Research
Harm reduction and equity of access to care for French prisoners: a review
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* Corresponding author: M Patrizia Carrieri pmcarrieri@aol.com
- † Equal contributors
1 Health and Medical Research National Institute, Research Unit 669, Paris, France
2 University of Paris-Sud and University Paris Descartes, umr-s0669, Paris, France
3 Emile Roux Hospital, Limeil-Brévannes, France
4 Inserm umr912 "Economic & Social Sciences, Health Systems & Societies", Marseille, France
5 Southeastern Health Regional Observatory (ORS-PACA), Marseille, France
6 St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Harm Reduction Journal 2008, 5:17 doi:10.1186/1477-7517-5-17
Published: 21 May 2008Abstract
Background
Despite France being regarded as a model of efficient harm reduction policy and equity of access to care in the general community, the health of French inmates is a critical issue, as harm reduction measures are either inaccessible or only partially implemented in French prisons.
Method
Using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, information was collected and analyzed about HIV, HBV and HCV prevalence, risk practices, mortality, access to harm reduction measures and care for French prison inmates.
Results
Data about the occurrence of bloodborne diseases, drug use and access to care in prisons remain limited and need urgent updating. Needle exchange programs are not yet available in French prisons and harm reduction interventions and access to OST remain limited or are heterogeneous across prisons. The continuity of care at prison entry and after release remains problematic and should be among the primary public health priorities for French prisoners.
Conclusion
Preventive and harm reduction measures should be urgently introduced at least as pilot programs. The implementation of such measures, not yet available in French prisons, is not only a human right for prison inmates but can also provide important public health benefits for the general population.