The health of Australia's prisoners 2012
Publication
Release Date:
Topic: People in prison
Citation
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2013) The health of Australia's prisoners 2012, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 9 July 2026.
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Prisoners have significant health issues, with high rates of mental health problems, communicable diseases, alcohol misuse, smoking and illicit drug use. 38% of prison entrants have ever been told they have a mental illness, 32% have a chronic condition. 84% are current smokers, but almost half of them would like to quit. 37% of prisoners about to be released said their health was a lot better than when they entered prison.
- ISBN: 978-1-74249-464-7
- Cat. no: PHE 170
- Pages: 196
Findings from this report:
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1 in 5 prison entrants were taking mental health related medication
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7 in 10 prison entrants had engaged in illicit drug use in the 12 months prior to entering prison
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1 in 2 prison entrants were unemployed in the 30 days before entering prison
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1 in 3 prison entrants were homeless in the 4 weeks before entering prison