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2. Research
3. Current Research

Current Research

The following are current research projects undertaken by the Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice (CHRCJ). If you would like to find out more about these projects please contact the CHRCJ or call (02) 8372 3000.

• 2008 Inmate Health Survey: Using a questionnaire based on the 1996 and 2001 Inmate Health Surveys, the 2008 survey is being conducted using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews of N=1,050 randomly sampled participants and a sample of inmates who previously participated in the 1996 and/or 2001 surveys. The survey covers areas such as physical health, mental health, drug and alcohol, risk behaviours and blood borne viruses. Implementation began in May 2008 and is expected to be completed in early 2009.
• Smoking Cessation Clinical Trial: In partnership with the University of New South Wales, this randomised controlled trial is evaluating the effectiveness of nortriptyline (in combination with Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) for assisting with smoking cessation among adult male inmates. Over 300 inmates have been recruited in NSW and recruitment is expanding to other states and territories.
• Sexual Health and Attitudes of Australian Prisoners study: In partnership with the University of New South Wales, this survey investigates the sexual health and attitudes of prisoners from NSW and QLD, which replicates the Australian Study of Health and Relationships survey. Data collection and analysis for this study is complete in NSW. A final report is currently being prepared.
• National Prison Entrants Bloodborne Virus and Risk Behaviour Survey: This survey was conducted in October 2007 for a two week period for all new prison entrants. There were N=257 participants reflecting a 77% response rate. The survey included testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The final report is currently being prepared.
• Young People in Custody Bloodborne Virus Survey: This survey was conducted in January-February 2008 and included N=380 participants (a 93% response rate). The survey included testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The final report is currently being prepared.
• Hepatitis C Incidence and Transmission Study: In partnership with the University of New South Wales, this study has enrolled over 400 inmates who do not have Hepatitis C and is tracking them for 2 years to investigate factors associated with the incidence of new Hepatitis C infection.
• Evaluation of Court Liaison Service: In partnership with the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, this study is evaluating the effectiveness of the service for diverting offenders with a mental illness into appropriate treatment services. Data analysis and interviews with key stakeholders is currently underway.
• Mental disorders among young people in contact with the criminal justice system: This study investigates the correlates of emerging mental illness among young offenders. A final report is currently being prepared.
• Impulsivity pilot study for violent offenders: This pilot study is seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in reducing impulsivity in repeat violent offenders in the court system. Recruitment for this study is currently underway.

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