This study examined factors influencing health information and mental health support seeking among individuals in U.S. prisons using the 2014 data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. Results showed that not only are age, race, health status, receiving health information (e.g., from health experts, friends, and other incarcerated individuals), and readiness to learn associated with health information seeking from the media, but so too are competencies such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Years of education moderated the association between social trust and seeking mental health support. In addition, gender, work duration, and attending substance abuse support groups, life skills groups, and religious groups are associated with seeking mental health support in prisons. Findings from this study may provide insight for correctional health stakeholders working in partnership to deliver more tailored health and mental health interventions in U.S. prison settings.
Keywords: access to health care; disadvantaged population; health behavior; mental health support; quality of life.