Recent evidence on rates and factors influencing smoking behaviours after release from smokefree prisons: a scoping review Journal: International Journal of Prison Health

Abstract

Purpose Smokefree prison policies have been introduced in some countries, in part to address very high levels of tobacco use in people in prison. However, relapse rates post-release remain high. Improved understanding of post-release smoking and/or vaping behaviour is necessary to inform support for a priority population. Design We searched health, social science, and criminal justice databases for studies about smoking/vaping behaviours among people released from smokefree prisons. Studies were included if: they reported primary data and were published between January 2017 and March 2024 in English; the population was adults / young people (16yr+) imprisoned, or formerly imprisoned, in prisons with comprehensive smokefree policies; and at least one of the following was reported: (1) pre-release intention to smoke, vape or remain abstinent post-release; (2) smoking/vaping behaviour post-release and factors influencing smoking/vaping behaviour; (3) attempts to quit again following post-release smoking/vaping relapse. Findings: Nine studies met our criteria. The evidence base is small and mainly from the USA or Australia. Evidence continues to suggest that most people resume smoking after leaving a smokefree prison. No new interventions have been successful in reducing relapse rates. No studies report on vaping post-release, although two studies report on perceived factors affecting smoking relapse post-release from prisons allowing vaping. Given very high rates of relapse, there remains a significant need to better understand what approaches are feasible and acceptable for reducing return to smoking post-release. Originality: This review updates the limited evidence on smoking behaviours after leaving a smokefree prison. Research Implications: Given very high rates of relapse there remains a significant need to better understand what approaches are feasible and acceptable for reducing return to smoking post-release.