Prevalence of COVID-19 in prison population: a meta-analysis of 35 studies

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the restricted and enclosed nature of prisons and closed environments and the prolonged and close contact between individuals, COVID-19 is more likely to have a higher incidence in these settings. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers published in English from 2019 to July 7, 2023, were identified using relevant keywords such as prevalence, COVID-19 and prisoner in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. For the meta-analysis of the prevalence, Cochrane’s Q statistics were calculated. A random effect model was used due to the heterogeneity in COVID-19 prevalence across included studies in the meta-analysis. All analyses were performed in STATA-13.

Findings

The pooled data presented a COVID-19 prevalence of 20% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.26] and 24% [95%CI: 0.07, 0.41], respectively, in studies that used PCR and antibody tests. Furthermore, two study designs, cross-sectional and cohort, were used. The results of the meta-analysis showed studies with cross-sectional and cohort designs reported 20% [95%CI: 0.11, 0.29] and 25% [95%CI: 0.13, 0.38], respectively.

Originality/value

Through more meticulous planning, it is feasible to reduce the number of individuals in prison cells, thereby preventing the further spread of COVID-19.

Citation

SeyedAlinaghi, S., Yarmohammadi, S., Farahani Rad, F., Rasheed, M.A., Javaherian, M., Afsahi, A.M., Siami, H., Bagheri, A., Zand, A., Dadras, O. and Mehraeen, E. (2024), "Prevalence of COVID-19 in prison population: a meta-analysis of 35 studies", International Journal of Prison Health, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 393-409. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-01-2024-0005