GLOBAL AGING AND HEALTH - “I ALWAYS GET PANADOL...THERE’S NO HOPE HERE.” - Healthcare services accessibility to incarcerated older adults

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Pentious

The study addresses growing challenges facing incarcerated older adults in Ghana, where about 15,198 people are detained and overcrowding strains healthcare quality in prisons. Using a qualitative exploratory descriptive design, focus groups with 28 participants (18 men, 10 women) aged 50+ and imprisoned for at least six months examined service accessibility. Findings show limited staff knowledge and skills, inadequate medical equipment, and stigma reduce effective care, with prison services perceived as substandard. The work calls for policy and practice changes to improve healthcare experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Background and purpose

Methods and participant selection

Key findings affecting accessibility

Implications for policy and practice

SESSION 7240 (POSTER) GLOBAL AGING AND HEALTH Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2664 “I ALWAYS GET PANADOL...THERE’S NO HOPE HERE.”HEALTHCARE SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY TO INCARCERATED OLDER ADULTS. Akwasi Adjei Gyimah1, Samuel Asante2, Eric Frimpong3, and Mathias Adjei4, 1. Miami University Scripps Gerontology Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 785 Center, Oxford, Ohio, United States, 2. Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States, 3. University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 4. Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States The increasing number of Incarcerated older adults in Ghana is becoming a national issue for both policymakers and prison administrators. Currently, there are about 15,198 people incarcerated in various places in Ghana. These numbers result in having too many congestions and all these affect the quality of healthcare in prisons. The study sought to assess the quality of health care services for older adults in prisons in Ghana This study employed a qualitative approach involving an explorative descriptive design A focus group discussion was conducted among purposively selected older incarcerated adults. To be included, a participant must have been at least 50 years old and in prison for at least six months. A total of 28 older adults, comprising 18 males and 10 females were selected for participation in the study. The findings showed health care services accessibility in prison facilities remains a significant issue. Participants acknowledged that healthcare workers in prisons have limited knowledge and practice skills to effectively address their healthcare needs. They also pointed to the lack of medical equipment in prisons and stigma as additional factors that adversely affect their healthcare experiences in prisons. Participants generally noted that the quality of health services in prisons was substandard compared to that provided to the general public. The study adds to the literature on older incarcerated adults in Africa and how their healthcare accessibility can be improved. The study underscores the need for policy changes and practices that could enhance the healthcare experiences of older adults in prisons.

FAQs

What problem does the study focus on in Ghana?

It examines how healthcare service accessibility for incarcerated older adults in Ghana is affected by prison conditions, overcrowding, and limited care resources.

How was the research conducted and who participated?

A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used, with focus group discussions involving 28 purposively selected older incarcerated adults aged 50+ and imprisoned for at least six months.

What factors make healthcare harder to access in prison facilities?

Participants reported limited healthcare workers’ knowledge and practice skills, lack of medical equipment, and stigma, all of which negatively shape healthcare experiences.

What does the study recommend to improve care?

It highlights the need for policy changes and practices that enhance healthcare experiences and accessibility for incarcerated older adults.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Pentious