THE Medical Journal of Australia has recommended an intervention at Risdon Prison, after a report found many prisoners take up smoking again on the day of their release.
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In February, the state government declared a total smoking ban for Risdon and the Ron Barwick Minimum Security Prison, making Tasmania the third state or territory to ban cigarettes in prisons, behind the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Despite this, a Medical Journal of Australia report, released on Monday, suggested further action is needed.
‘‘These findings indicate that this population is in need of interventions both inside prison and after their release to reduce their high rate of tobacco smoking,’’ the report said.
‘‘While smoking bans in prisons in Australia are inevitable, a targeted approach that recognises the unique characteristics of this population group is needed, and must involve support both in prison and in the community, recognising that imprisonment for most is only temporary.’’
The report indicates that 56 per cent of prisoners resume smoking on their first day of release, while 84 per cent had relapsed within three weeks and 39 per cent by a month after release.
Another follow-up study touted by the Journal found that 63 per cent of former prisoners had relapsed on the first day of release, 82 per cent after one week, 86 per cent after one month and 97 per cent after six months.
The Justice Department did not respond before deadline.