School of Law and Justice

HoPE (Health of Prisoner Evaluation)

This project piloted a survey of the health of prisoners in Western Australian prisons.

The initial idea for the survey arose from an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2006) report, which stated there is no consistent or regular state or national health audit of prisoners although they are recognised as a high risk group. The report recommended the development of a regulated naional prisoner health survey, or consistent state surveys, as well as regular reporting of national prisoner health data.

The HoPE questionnaire is a combination of both mental and physical health into one survey, which has now been trialled in both Casuarina and Bandyup prisons. The survey numbers ensured the correct proportion of WA prison populations was maintained with males, females, rural, metro, indigenous and non-indigenous prisoners interviewed.

The questionnaire includes sections on:

• General health and wellbeing,
• Dental health,
• History of illness and vaccinations,
• Exercise and injury,
• Psychiatric and psychological history,
• Suicide and self harm,
• Alcohol and gambling,
• Drug use and drug treatments,
• Contact with family,
• Sexual behaviour and attitudes,
• History of sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual violence,
• Smoking; and
• Tattooing and body piercing

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Staff involved

Ms Sharan Kraemer 
Mrs Natalie Gately