Year: 1981 Source: Journal of Prison Health, v.1, no.1, (Spring-Summer 1981), p.7-29 SIEC No: 19870527

General & specific epidemiologic studies concerning U.S. jail & prison populations are reviewed. A marked overlap exists between demographic & epidemiologic characteristics of prisons & inner city populations. Morbidity rates of various physical conditions are given. Suicide has been found to play a major role in jail fatalities. Systematic epidemiologic information about health needs of the population must be collected so that health services become effective & equitable. (LH)