Canadian womens health & physical activity needs in prison

Victoria Felkar Supervisor: Dr. Patricia Vertinsky UBC School of Kinesiology MURC Conference March 24, 2012

candidate for BKin, Interdisciplinary stream

pursuing MA in Kinesiology Sept. 2012 (UBC)

employed in fitness industry (CSEP-CPT)

Kent Institution
Agassiz, British Columbia
(Correctional Service of Canada, 2010)

14 12 10 % of 8 Total Inmate 6 Population 4

2
0 Federal total 1991-1992 Provincial & Territorial total 2001-2002 2008-2009

Growing number of female offenders in Canada

Challenges in addressing inmate health needs Deficiencies in linking knowledge to practical application for improving inmate health & access

Highlight the health & health care needs of the female inmate Discuss the role of physical activity

Physical activity in Canadian corrections

complexity of correctional system multiple variables and terms

overwhelming lack of information

Canadian Corrections, Womens Health, Physical Activity

inmate health & health care needs physical activity, benefits and access

1/10 of the inmate population

young, single, Aboriginal

Decreased health status
life expectancy suicide risk substance addiction chronic illness mental disorder history of abuse

Lack of knowledge about health & access to health services in Canada Without knowledge
health care cannot be addressed

cannot determine programming & access

Physical activity is strategized as

Health promoting Potential to rehabilitate offenders Cost effective Facilitate re-entry into the community

Lack of knowledge

Segregation exercise yard. Kent Institution (Jackson, 2002)

Findings to date reveal

Improved physiological & chronic illness optimism & self growth social skills Little access

psychological health
aggression levels quality of life idleness

Gender biased programming

Growing female inmate population with diverse healthcare needs Inadequate knowledge about health access to healthcare services role of physical activity

(The Corrections Reporter, 2010)

Increase knowledge & body of research

specific health needs of inmates access & attitudes towards health promotion

Role of physical activity?

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