The quality of care in correctional facilities in low- and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review of literature

Abstract

COVID-19 affected different groups of people, including service providers and residents of correctional centres. We reviewed the literature for evidence on the quality of care during COVID-19 in correctional facilities located in low- and middle-income countries. We searched PubMed, PsychInfo, SAGE, JSTOR, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion criteria were incarcerated populations aged 18+ years (males and females), practice structure, process, and outcome, COVID-19 pandemic, qualitative and secondary data documents, low- and middle-income international and local countries, English published reviews, and late 2019 as the onset of the spread of COVID-19. Three reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts for inclusion. Discrepancies and conflicts were discussed with a fourth reviewer. Data extraction was conducted on full-text and 14 articles were selected for thematic analysis. Utilising the Donabedian method, three themes emerged including practice structure, process, and outcome, which indicated the need for improved healthcare for correctional centres. The findings suggested that correctional centres were not prepared for the pandemic and were confronted with a shortage of healthcare and human resources, as well as overcrowding. These findings imply unpreparedness, lack of facilities, overcrowding, and insufficient human resource to care for offenders.