Why do people who are incarcerated in the U.S. have higher rates of disease than the general population?

People who are incarcerated already have preexisting diseases.
People who are incarcerated do not seek medical care.
The U.S. does not have a high incarceration rate.
Prisons are overcrowded and often do not provide adequate medical care.

1 answer

The statement that best captures the reason why people who are incarcerated in the U.S. have higher rates of disease than the general population is:

Prisons are overcrowded and often do not provide adequate medical care.

This overcrowding can lead to unsanitary conditions, increased stress, and limited access to healthcare services. Additionally, many individuals entering the prison system may already have preexisting health issues, but the prison environment contributes to the exacerbation of these conditions and the acquisition of new health problems due to factors like poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and limited access to preventive care.