A global study has concluded that improving the mental and physical health of prisoners would boost public health.

As reported by ScienceDaily, Seena Fazel from the University of Oxford, along with co-researcher Jacques Baillargeon from the University of Texas, analysed data on prisoner health from high-income countries across the world.

"Prisoners act as reservoirs of infection and chronic disease, increasing the public health burden of poor communities," explained the researchers. "Most prisoners return to their communities with their physical and psychiatric morbidity occasionally untreated and sometimes worsened."

Mr Baillargeon added that scientists have already noted that prisoners have higher rates of chronic and infectious diseases and that for many, going to prison presents them with a rare chance to be treated. Whilst many may believe this to be a trend found only in developing countries, the research shows that many of those entering the justice system within developed countries suffer from the same disparate level of health.

Furthermore, the researchers observed that prisoners with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia tend to cycle in and out of the prison system. Investing in quality psychiatric nursing would prevent further stays in prison, which would also save money.

The researchers recommended that prisons should receive targeted healthcare aimed at screening, preventing and treating physical and mental illnesses. Furthermore, when prisoners are released they should be given links to community healthcare programmes that would ensure continuation of treatment.

If these recommendations are followed, it is likely to create a number of nurse manager jobs, as well as nursing and counselling positions, however it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the report.