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Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public HealthMore Press Releases related to this journalVol 37 (6 Issues in 2013)
Edited by: Professor John Lowe (Managing Editor), Professor Rod McClure, Professor Alistair Woodward, Dr Priscilla Robinson, Dr Sandra Campbell and Dr Anna Ziersch
Print ISSN: 1326-0200 Online ISSN: 1753-6405
Published on behalf of Public Health Association of Australia
Impact Factor: 1.203
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High risk of death among Indigenous ex-prisoners
Aboriginal ex-prisoners have a higher risk of death when in the community than non-Aboriginal ex-prisoners in Australia.
This is the finding from a study published in the June issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, led by Azar Kariminia from the University of New South Wales.
“The risk of death was sharply higher after release from prison than during incarceration,”said Dr Kariminia.
“The leading cause of death in men was cardiovascular disease and in women alcohol and drug dependence.
“The risk of death from cardiovascular and respiratory disease may be related to the very high rates of smoking in the prisoner population – around 85% of prisoners smoke.
“These findings reflect the vulnerability of the ex-prisoner population when in the community.
“Ideally, existing programs for Aboriginal prisoners in NSW addressing cardiovascular health need to be extended beyond the incarceration period.
“Many of these offenders are likely to have limited interaction with the health system when in the community.”
