Mapping the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Prisoners: A Scoping Review Protocol

This research project seeks to systematically map and synthesize existing literature on the burden, risk factors, and health system responses to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among prisoners globally. The purpose of the project is to provide a consolidated evidence base that highlights the prevalence and impact of chronic conditions in correctional facilities, identifies gaps in service delivery and policy, and informs future strategies for prison health systems. Purpose Prisoners represent a vulnerable population with disproportionately high rates of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes. These conditions are exacerbated by structural risks including overcrowding, poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and high prevalence of risk behaviours. Despite the growing global burden of NCDs, prison health remains under-researched and under-prioritized, particularly in low-resource settings. The project aims to: • Map the current state of knowledge on NCD burden among prisoners. • Identify risk factors and systemic determinants contributing to NCD prevalence. • Assess health system responses, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment interventions. • Highlight gaps in service delivery, policy frameworks, and research evidence. • Provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening prison health systems and aligning them with national NCD strategies and global health priorities. Methods The study will adopt the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and follow PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. A comprehensive search will be conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, supplemented by grey literature and snowballing techniques. Eligible studies will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods designs, as well as systematic reviews and policy reports published in English between 2015 and 2025. Data will be extracted using a standardized framework capturing study descriptors, population characteristics, outcomes, and health system responses. Quantitative findings will be synthesized descriptively, while qualitative findings will be analyzed thematically to identify recurring barriers, enablers, and equity considerations. Expected Outcomes The scoping review is expected to produce: • A comprehensive evidence map of NCD burden and management in prison populations worldwide. • Identification of key risk factors and systemic challenges unique to correctional settings. • Thematic insights into gaps in service delivery, continuity-of-care, and policy integration. • Recommendations for evidence-based interventions and standardized protocols for NCD management in prisons. • Contributions to global health discourse by linking prison health to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights frameworks. Ultimately, the findings will inform policymakers, prison health administrators, and researchers, enabling them to design context-specific interventions that improve health outcomes for incarcerated populations and strengthen the integration of prison health systems with national health services.