Work

The burden of mental health and somatic disorders among people experiencing incarceration later in life: A 13-year cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing number of older incarcerated individuals presents unique challenges for prison systems traditionally tailored for younger, healthier populations. Research on this demographic is crucial for informing effective health and correctional policies. Using data from the nPRIS-cohort, all people incarcerated at age 50 or older in Norway 2010–2022 were included. Study prevalence for selected disorders were calculated based on ICD-10 diagnoses registered in The Norwegian Patient Registry up until a person's last release date. One-year prevalence was calculated at prison entry each calendar year. Including 1120 women and 9667 men; 63 % of women and 62 % of men aged 50–64, and 70 % of women and 75 % of men aged 65+ were diagnosed with a somatic disorder. Among women, 63 % (50–64 years) and 49 % (65+ years) had a mental health disorder, as did 53 % and 38 % of the men. There were significant differences in diagnostic prevalence between sex and age groups. Thirty-eight percent of the population had comorbid diagnoses, higher among the youngest women (50–64 year: 46 %). The one-year prevalence of individuals with mental disorders increased from 23 % in 2010 to 34 % in 2022, while the one-year prevalence of communicable and noncommunicable diseases remained consistent over time. This study presents the first comprehensive description of the mental and somatic health burden of older individuals incarcerated in Norway. Our results underscore the urgent need for correctional and health services to implement tailored interventions that address the unique healthcare requirements of this aging population. • First detailed description of disease burden in older incarcerated people in Norway. • Complete registry data of all incarcerated aged 50+, stratified by sex and age groups. • Distinct differences in disease-prevalence were found between women and men. • Somatic disorders prevalent in the 65+ group, mental disorder prevalent in the 50-64. • Proportion of active mental disorders increased from 23 % to 34 % (2000–2022).

Source: Social Science & Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118007

Authors: Torill Tverborgvik, Marianne Riksheim Stavseth, Nicoline Toresen Lokdam, Amalie Jordan, Anne Bukten

Institutions: University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, University of Stavanger, University College of Norwegian Correctional Service

Language: English

Topic: Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800