Citation

Jones M, Kearney GD, Xu X, Norwood T, Proescholdbell SK. N. Carol. Med. J. 2017; 78(4): 223-229.

Affiliation

program director, North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Injury Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, Chronic Disease and Injury Section, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Medical Society of the State of North Carolina)

DOI

10.18043/ncm.78.4.223

PMID

28724668

Abstract

BACKGROUND Inmates face challenges upon release from prison, including increased risk of death. We examine mortality among former inmates in North Carolina, including both violent and nonviolent deaths.

METHODS A retrospective cohort study among former North Carolina inmates released between 2008 and 2010 were linked with North Carolina mortality data to determine cause of death. Inmates were followed through December 31, 2012. Mortality rates among former inmates were compared with deaths among North Carolina residents using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

RESULTS Among former inmates (N = 41,495), there were 926 deaths during the study period. Compared to the North Carolina general population, SMRs were higher for all-cause mortality for total deaths (SMR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.97-2.24), heart disease (SMR = 4.45, 95% CI: 3.64-5.34), cancer (SMR = 3.92, 95% CI: 3.34-4.62), suicide (SMR = 14.46, 95% CI: 10.28-19.76), and homicide (SMR = 7.98, 95% CI: 6.34-10.03).

DISCUSSION The death rate among former North Carolina inmates is significantly higher than that of other North Carolina residents. Although more research is needed, identifying areas for interventions is essential for reducing the risk of death among this population.

©2017 by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment. All rights reserved.

Language: en