Leading medical causes of mortality among male prisoners in Texas, 1992-2003

Amy J. Harzke, Jacques G. Baillargeon, Michael F. Kelley, Sandi L. Pruitt, John S. Pulvino, David P. Paar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Data from the Texas prison system and the Texas Vital Statistics Bureau were used to identify and assess the leading medical causes of death from 1992 to 2003 among male prisoners in Texas (N = 4,026). The leading medical causes of death were infection, cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver disease, and respiratory disease. Of these, only cancer showed a significant average annual increase in crude death rates (2.5% [0.2% to 4.9%]). Among prisoners aged 55 to 84 years, crude average annual death rates due to cancer and CVD were high and substantially exceeded death rates due to other causes. Among prisoners aged 25 to 44 years, crude average annual death rates due to infection exceeded death rates due to other causes. Continued improvements in the prevention, screening, and treatment of these conditions are warranted in correctional health care settings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)241-253
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 9 2011

Keywords

  • cancer
  • cardiovascular disease
  • infectious disease
  • liver disease
  • mortality
  • prisoners

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Community and Home Care
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Leading medical causes of mortality among male prisoners in Texas, 1992-2003'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this