People who have spent time in prison are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions, finds a study in Health Psychology. Researchers analyzed a nationally representative U.S. sample of more than 36,000 adults, 12.4 percent of whom reported a history of incarceration. Compared with people who had never been in prison, people who had been incarcerated were more likely to have hypertension, myocardial infarction, minor heart conditions, stomach ulcers, arthritis, sleep problems, anemia and sexually transmitted diseases, among other serious conditions. The results held even after controlling for a history of childhood abuse and other adversity, recent stressful life experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, and past year alcohol use. (Monitor on Psychology)

Susie Bean Gives