Inequities in social determinants of health factors and criminal behavior: A case study of immigrant ex-offenders
Abstract
Inequities in social determinants of health create a strain that may cause increased engagement in criminal behavior. Furthermore, immigrants may face greater inequities in social determinants than their Canadian-born counterparts. Personal experiences of adult, male immigrant ex-offenders in Alberta were examined to study various circumstances that contributed to their criminal behavior. The participants were in consensus that social determinants of health such as income, education, employment, stress and health risk behaviors have led them to commit crime. Increased research and intervention on risk factors, as well as creating targeted crime prevention programs, are recommended.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
Expand research to include immigrant ex-offenders of different genders, ages, etc.
Integration timeline: newcomers not defined
Key findings
- The study identified major themes related to the adjustment process of immigrant ex-offenders: stress, income problems, difficulty obtaining education, lack of employment opportunities, social exclusion in the community, and engagement in health risk behaviors.
- Immigrants and minorities, facing limited opportunities and various strains, may resort to criminal activity.
- The study highlighted the unequal realities experienced by immigrants and racial minorities, which contribute to their involvement in criminal behavior.
- The study emphasized the importance of addressing the social determinants of health factors in order to prevent and reduce criminal behavior among immigrant populations.
Key populations: Adult, male immigrant ex-offenders in Alberta who had fully served all of their sentences and were no longer on parole
Key recommendations:
- Develop culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate interventions that address the social determinants of health factors contributing to criminal behavior among immigrant populations.
- Provide access to social services, including family and social support, community participation, and access to resources that can help prevent criminal behavior.
- Address the unequal realities experienced by immigrants and racial minorities, including limited opportunities and various strains, which contribute to their involvement in criminal behavior
- Implement targeted interventions and support systems to prevent and reduce criminal behavior among immigrant ex-offenders.
Location: Alberta, not further specified for confidentiality
Open access: No
Community organizations: n/a
