Select and describe the key characteristics of one vulnerable population from your practice or locale and discuss why this population is considered vulnerable.  Include one or two health practices and beliefs of the chosen population that increases the vulnerability of the population. Describe how you, in an advanced nursing role, could be an advocate for this vulnerable population at the local, state or national level. (Prisioners) Initial Post:

Introduction
Prisoners constitute a vulnerable population in society due to the unique set of circumstances they face while incarcerated. This assignment will explore the key characteristics of prisoners as a vulnerable population, the health practices and beliefs that increase their vulnerability, and how advanced nurses can advocate for this population at different levels.

Key Characteristics of Prisoners as a Vulnerable Population
Prisoners are a particularly vulnerable population due to several key characteristics. Firstly, they have limited access to healthcare services and may not receive adequate medical care while incarcerated. This limited access to healthcare is a result of various factors such as overcrowding, budget constraints, and inadequate staffing within correctional facilities (Harzke, Baillargeon, & Baillargeon, 2009). Consequently, prisoners often suffer from untreated or poorly managed chronic conditions, mental health issues, and infectious diseases.

Secondly, prisoners are more likely to come from marginalized and disadvantaged backgrounds, with higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and limited educational opportunities. These socioeconomic factors contribute to a higher prevalence of health disparities among prisoners compared to the general population (Binswanger, Krueger, & Steiner, 2009). For example, prisoners are more likely to have a history of substance abuse, mental illness, and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Thirdly, prisoners face numerous psychosocial stressors while incarcerated, including violence, sexual assault, and social isolation. These stressors can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of developing new health problems (Teixeira, 2018). The prison environment can also have a negative impact on mental health, with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among prisoners compared to the general population (Edgar, 2017).

Health Practices and Beliefs that Increase Vulnerability
In addition to these key characteristics, certain health practices and beliefs among prisoners increase their vulnerability. Firstly, many prisoners engage in high-risk behaviors such as drug use, unsafe sexual practices, and violence. These behaviors contribute to the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis (Binswanger et al., 2009). Limited access to harm reduction programs and educational resources further enhances the risk of transmission and poor health outcomes.

Secondly, there are cultural and belief systems within the prisoner population that may impact their health practices. For instance, some prisoners may hold beliefs that deter them from seeking medical care, viewing it as a sign of weakness or fear of being labeled by fellow inmates (Fazel, Baillargeon, & Gouveia, 2017). This reluctance to seek care can lead to delayed diagnosis or treatment, resulting in worse health outcomes.

Advocacy for Prisoners at Different Levels
As an advanced nurse, there are various avenues for advocating for prisoners at the local, state, and national levels. At the local level, nurses can collaborate with correctional facilities to improve healthcare delivery by advocating for increased staffing, training, and resources. This can help ensure that prisoners receive timely and appropriate medical care, mental health services, and access to necessary medications. Nurses can also promote the implementation of harm reduction programs within prisons to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases.

At the state level, advanced nurses can advocate for policy changes that address the underlying social determinants of health affecting prisoners. This may involve supporting initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment, and improving educational opportunities for individuals with criminal records. Additionally, nurses can advocate for the development and implementation of evidence-based programs within correctional facilities that focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation.

At the national level, advanced nurses can engage in research, policy development, and legislative advocacy to promote the health and well-being of prisoners. This may involve participating in research studies that examine the health needs of prisoners and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving their health outcomes. Nurses can also work with professional organizations and policy makers to influence legislation that addresses the healthcare needs of prisoners.

Conclusion
Prisoners are a vulnerable population due to their unique circumstances within correctional facilities. Their limited access to healthcare, higher prevalence of health disparities, and exposure to psychosocial stressors contribute to their vulnerability. By understanding the key characteristics and health practices of prisoners, advanced nurses can effectively advocate for this population at the local, state, and national levels, ultimately improving their health outcomes and quality of life.