The Nutritional Adequacy of Food Offerings in U.S. Correctional Settings: A Systematic Review
Open Access
- Author:
- Enck, Amanda
- Area of Honors:
- Nursing
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Susan Jayne Loeb, Thesis Supervisor
Lisa Ann Kitko, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- nutrition
incarcerated
prison
chronic disease
diet
inmate
correctional setting
correctional facility
jail
food - Abstract:
- BACKGROUND: Many lifestyle changes are made upon entrance into a correctional setting (e.g. prisons and jails), including eating habits and nutrition. The research surrounding nutrition in correctional settings can provide insight into the food availability to people who are incarcerated and the impact food offerings have on their health. PURPOSE: To determine the nutritional adequacy of food offerings in U.S. correctional settings. DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted utilizing the PubMed and CINAHL databases using the search terms “(nutrition OR diet) AND (prison OR prisoner OR incarcerated OR inmate) NOT prisoner-of-war.” Results were limited to articles written in the English language and performed on human subjects in the United States. Fifteen articles were selected and included as part of the systematic review. RESULTS: Current evidence indicates the food offerings in correctional facilities did not meet adequate nutritional recommendations for adults in regard to caloric intake, food group quantities, and multiple vitamin and mineral values. People who are incarcerated have poor views related to the nutritional adequacy of the food offerings available to them. DISCUSSION: As a public health topic, it is important to continue to evaluate the adequacy of food offerings in correctional settings. Healthcare professionals can team with interdisciplinary colleagues from nutrition and dietetics to identify nutrient rich healthy alternatives that are the most economically feasible, and work with decision makers about enhancing healthy choices on commissary lists. Understanding the diets of people who are incarcerated can help healthcare providers better promote health and treat and manage diseases commonly found in this population. Two potential future research foci are: a) a comprehensive examination of cafeteria, commissary, and vending machine foods in correctional settings; and b) the relationship between nutrition and chronic disease development in incarcerated populations.