Reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes among women in correctional facilities: An analysis of a high-vulnerability cohort
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.1.2026.690Keywords:
incarcerated women, reproductive health, barriers, access to care, multimorbidity, antenatal care, prison health, mental healthAbstract
Relevance: Women in correctional facilities represent a high-risk group for adverse reproductive outcomes due to the combined impact of medical, social, and organizational factors. Limited access to healthcare resources and multidisciplinary support further increases vulnerability and the risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.
The study aimed to comprehensively assess clinical, behavioral, and systemic factors determining reproductive vulnerability among women in correctional facilities and their impact on pregnancy outcomes, considering health system readiness.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted involving 300 women of reproductive age incarcerated in correctional facilities, with a subcohort of 55 pregnant women. Clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial risk factors, comorbidity patterns, obstetric outcomes, and availability of essential reproductive health services were evaluated within the framework of health system readiness. Descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression analysis were applied.
Results: A high prevalence of extragenital pathology (28.3%), predominantly cardiometabolic, anemia (67.3%), and tobacco use (65.5%) was identified. At least one adverse pregnancy outcome was registered in 52.7% of pregnant women. Significant systemic gaps were detected, including limited access to iron supplements, micronutrients, progesterone therapy, modern contraceptive methods, and mental health specialists. No statistically significant independent predictors of adverse outcomes were identified, reflecting the multifactorial nature of pregnancy complications.
Conclusion: Adverse reproductive outcomes among incarcerated women result from the combined effects of individual risk factors and structural limitations of the healthcare system. The findings support the implementation of an integrated, risk-oriented reproductive care model focused on strengthening pharmaceutical supply, multidisciplinary collaboration, and psychosocial support.
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Copyright (c) 2026 С.Г. Мыктыбаева , К.К. Куракбаев , Ж.К. Бурибаева , Н.Н. Оразакова, Г.Ж. Таубаева , А.А. Кызырбекова , Н.А. Райымбекова
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