Murad Qadir, Rafat Murad, Abdul Qadir, Syed Muhammad Mubeen.
Prisoners in Karachi – A Health and Nutritional Perspective.
Ann Abbasi Shaheed Hosp Karachi Med Dent Coll Jan ;19(2):67-72.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the health and nutritional status of prisoners in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to February 2013. Convenient sampling technique was used. A sample of 433 prisoners was taken from Karachi prison. Selected inmates were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Prisoners were assessed with measurements of height, weight, body mass index (BMI) status, Blood pressure, Random Blood Sugar levels, dietary pattern, occupational status, source of food, duration of exercise, history of diseases and addictions were recorded. Results: Age of the prisoners varied between 18-65 years. Among 433 prisoners, 39.7% were under weight and 8.3% were malnourished. Exercise was not reported in 80% of prisoners. It was noted that 11.8% prisoners were having respiratory tract infections at time the study was conducted. Among 433 inmates, 386 were addicted to at least one addiction such as smoking, naswar, pan, gutka and manpuri, heroin, ganja (cannabis), charas (hashish form of cannabis), and opium. Conclusions: This study showed that the diet of the prisoners was insufficient and nutritionally imbalanced and has led to malnourished and underweight prisoners. Substance abuse is common among inmates.

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