Predictors of health perceptions and health-promoting behaviors among Turkish prisoners: a cross-sectional study
BMC public health, vol.25, no.1, pp.3344, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 25 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1186/s12889-025-24189-8
- Journal Name: BMC public health
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.3344
- Keywords: Correctional health nursing, Health lifestyle behaviors, Health perception, Prisoners
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prisoners are considered a vulnerable group in terms of health risks and limited access to health services. This study aimed to determine the health perceptions and health-promoting behaviors of Turkish prisoners, examine the relationship between these factors, and identify the predictors of health perceptions and health-promoting behaviors as a cross-sectional design. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024 with 234 prisoners convicted of criminal offenses in two open penal institutions in Eskişehir, Turkey. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Health Perception Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II. Statistical analyses included Independent Samples t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis to identify the predictors of health perceptions and health-promoting behaviors. RESULTS: The mean score of health perception among the prisoners was 51.43 ± 7.66, and the mean score of healthy lifestyle behaviors was 130.41 ± 26.90. A positive but weak correlation was found between health perception and healthy lifestyle behaviors (r = .319; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of evaluating prisoners' health perceptions and health-related behaviors. Prison nurses are recommended to routinely assess these factors and implement targeted interventions to support healthy lifestyle changes in prison populations.