Homework 6 - 2/19/2018
Identify a policy that is not usually intended to be a health policy but that you think may have important health implications.
A policy that is not intended to be a health policy that might have important health implications involves the U.S. prison system and, more specifically, policies surrounding imprisonment for nonviolent crimes. While some of these policies were designed with, some might argue, reasonable intentions, I think there are very important secondary ramifications related to healthcare. For example, while studies have shown that Black male inmates have a lower mortality rate than similarly aged black men who are not incarcerated (Prison-Health Paradox), the negative effects of incarceration on mental health have been shown to be long-lasting.
Describe why an evaluation of that policy is informative (e.g., determining effects of the policy, or primarily a test of hypothesized mediators).
Evaluation of this policy is informative in determining the effects of the policy. Research studies about the specific detrimental effects would help inform and motivate, not only the general public/ potential advocates, but also policy-makers who can be far removed from the prison system and healthcare. This information could help motivate policy changes.
Specify the outcomes and populations you think most affected or least affected by the policy.
These policies disproportionately affect racial/ethnic minorities, gender or sexual minorities, and individuals of lower SES. Outcomes specific to healthcare and most affected are mental health and psychological ramifications. While the importance of mental health outcomes cannot be understated, because I am interested in women’s health, I would be interested in understanding the effect of incarceration on women’s contraceptive experiences.
Propose a study design to evaluate the policy.
I would begin with a qualitative study and use surveys and focus groups to gain a better understanding of the experiences of incarcerated women.
Describe biggest challenge to implementing and drawing inferences about the impact of the policy on health.
The biggest challenge to implementing and drawing inferences about the impact of this policy on health would likely be fleshing out why incarceration has negative consequences (proposed hypothesis) on contraceptive experiences. Drawing from our discussions last week, 1st generation research is extremely important, but completing 2nd, and eventually 3rd and 4th, generation research would be ideal in implementing policy changes that will have a positive impact on health.