202915 Relationship of mental health services utilization with successful re-entry and re-integration into society among female probationers and parolees in Mississippi

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Vincent Mendy, MPH , Office of Health Disparity Elimination, MS State Department of Health, Jackson, MS
Lovetta Brown, MD, MPH , Office of Health Disparity Elimination, MS State Department of Health, Jackson, MS
Olugbemiga Tanilepada Ekundayo, MD, MPH, DrPH , Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Joyce Buckner-Brown, PhD, MHS, RRT , Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA
Bettye Tyler, MS , Alcohol Services Center Inc., Jackson, MS
              
Background

In 2006, over 5 million adult men and women were under probation or parole in U.S. In 2007, 5,052 Mississippi women were on probation and 427 on parole (46.28% and 37.24% black respectively) (http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/Research). Women report lower levels of service awareness and utilization than men (La Vigne and Brooks, 2005; O'Brien, 2001; Richie, 2001). Successful re-entry/re-integration requires mental health services (Golembeski & Fullilove, 2005; Solomon et al, 2004). We examine mental health services utilization and successful re-entry/re-integration relationships among female probationers/parolees in Mississippi.

Methods

Using non-probability, convenience sampling, and 667 female parolees/probationers completed a self-administered 37-item questionnaire. Mental health service utilization (medication use and seeking consultation/professional help) were analyzed with re-entry/re-integration (current employment and income) SPSSTM 16.0.

Results

Mental health services utilization had significant impact on employment and income. Black female probationers and parolees were less likely to use available mental health services than whites.

Learning Objectives:
1. List the parameters of successful re-entry for female probationers and parolees 2. Describe the relationship of mental health services to employment, income and housing 3. Outline racial differences in psychosocial behaviors among female probationers and parolees

Keywords: Parolees, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Office of Health Disparity, Intern
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Mental Health Poster Session VII
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