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A Scoping Review of Nutrition Education Interventions Applied in Prison Settings

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Over 11 million individuals are incarcerated globally, facing health challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, possibly exacerbated by prison diets. The objective of this scoping review is to explore the various available types of nutrition education interventions that currently exist in the literature applied in prison settings.

Recent Findings

Utilizing the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, 19 databases were searched for studies on nutrition interventions in prisons from 2000 to May 2023, guided by the “PICO” structure. Inclusion criteria encompassed articles in five languages from peer-reviewed journals focusing solely on nutrition education interventions. Rayyan QCRI software was utilized for screening and data extraction. Fifteen international studies were analyzed, covering various countries and targeting different populations in prisons. Interventions varied from nutrition education to comprehensive health programs. The outcomes were inconsistent, with some showing health improvements and others encountering challenges. Few utilized established theoretical frameworks, indicating a research gap.

Summary

The range of interventions highlights the potential complexity of nutrition education interventions within prisons. Implementing recognized theoretical frameworks may enhance effectiveness. The diverse outcomes highlight the challenges in creating impactful programs, emphasizing foundational issues. Recommendations focus on rigorous research designs and understanding prison-specific complexities. Nutrition education interventions in incarcerated settings present varied results, emphasizing the need for well-structured, theoretically grounded, and carefully evaluated programs. Future strategies should recognize the multifaceted nature of correctional facilities, aiming for holistic approaches to improve health in prisons.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Fatmah Almoayad

  2. Joint Research Unit in Nutrition and Food, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Ibn Tofail University-CNESTEN, Rabat, 14000, Kenitra, Morocco

    Nada Benajiba

  3. Applied Nutrition Graduate Program, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Johanna Earle

  4. Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK

    Basil H. Aboul-Enein

  5. Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Amrita Sidhu & Anusha Sajja

  6. Applied Nutrition Graduate Program, College of Professional Studies, University of New England, Portland, ME, 04103, USA

    Elizabeth Dodge

Authors
  1. Fatmah Almoayad
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  2. Nada Benajiba
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  4. Basil H. Aboul-Enein
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  7. Elizabeth Dodge
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Contributions

Conceptualisation of the study was done by BAE. NB, JE, and BAE carried out research for this study. Data Analysis, tabulation, and writing of the manuscript was carried out by FA, NB, AA, AS, and ED. Initial reviews of the manuscript were carried out by FA, NB, and ED. Final review of article was carried out by BAE, FA, and ED. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Basil H. Aboul-Enein.

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Almoayad, F., Benajiba, N., Earle, J. et al. A Scoping Review of Nutrition Education Interventions Applied in Prison Settings. Curr Nutr Rep 12, 845–863 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-023-00497-6

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