The Needs of Incarcerated Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review of Literature.
Somayeh Alirezaei, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari
PMID 35005037WHAT IT FOUND
Recurring needs included prenatal care, delivery care, postpartum care, education, support, counseling, nutrition, and substance abuse management.
In 31 studies, nurses can anticipate high-risk pregnancy, infant separation, and continuity after release.
Key findings
01This review identified six recurring need categories: healthcare, educational, supportive, counseling, nutritional, and substance abuse management.
02Healthcare needs included prenatal care, labor and delivery care, postpartum care, care for HIV-positive pregnant women, and prevention of vertical transmission.
03Support needs included organizational support, labor and delivery support, social workers, and support around separation from the infant.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Most included studies were from the United States, and no middle- or low-income countries were represented, so the needs may not match other prison systems. Study quality was mostly average or poor: 6 poor, 22 average, and 3 good. The review included observational studies, case series, and surveys, not tested interventions, so it describes needs rather than proving what works. Only peer-reviewed articles were included, which can increase publication bias.
Declared interests
The study was part of a doctoral thesis at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, which provided financial support. The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as evidence that any prison program improves pregnancy outcomes. The review summarized reported needs from mostly average or poor quality observational studies, not tested interventions.