Sunday, November 1, 2009
Constance F. Swenty, RN, MSN
Mayola Rowser, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP
College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN
Learning Objective 1: identity risk factors present in an incarcerated population that contribute to the spread of common infectious dermatologic conditions.
Learning Objective 2: conceptualize the use of a comprehensive educational program to reduce infectious dermatologic conditions in the incarcerated population.
Background: Dermatologic conditions such as community acquired methicilllin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA), herpes lesions, scabies, tinea, and lice are common causes of skin and soft tissue infections. CAMRSA is the most serious of the conditions occurring at an average rate of 34.83 cases/100,000 with 6.33/100,000 deaths. The incidence and prevalence of CAMRSA has been steadily rising in correctional facilities in the United States. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported a 42% increase in MRSA from 1998 – 2002, Los Angeles County jail reported 921 cases in 20,000 inmates in 2002, and Georgia Department of Corrections reported increases in three state correctional facilities from 2001 to 2003. Although these dermatologic conditions are infectious, they are not “notifiable diseases”, therefore, the actual number of cases in correctional facilities is unknown. The close contact among detainees, sharing of personal items, and hygienic practices increase the spread of infectious diseases in correctional facilities. The purpose of this capstone project is to design and implement an educational program for correctional facility staff and detainees to decrease the spread of infectious dermatologic conditions in correctional facilities.
Sample: The three sample groups will consist of the medical staff, the detention officers, and the detainees.
Method: A pretest and posttest based on a Likert scale will be administered to each of the participants of the education program.
Analysis: Statistical Program for Social Sciences will be used to analyze the data.
Conclusion: Increased knowledge of the spread of CAMRSA, scabies, lice and tinea will reduce the incidence of these infectious diseases in correctional facilities.
Implications: A void in literature will be filled with the development of an educational program for prevention, early detection and treatment of infectious dermatologic conditions in the incarcerated population.
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