TY  - EJOU
AU  - González-Riera, Francisco Javier 
AU  - Torrejón-Martínez, Julio 
AU  - Khoury-Moreno, Luis El 
AU  - Fagundo-Rivera, Javier 
AU  - Gómez-Salgado, Juan 

TI  - Emotional Impact of Health Emergencies in Prison: Planning, Response, and Resilience in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic
T2  - International Journal of Mental Health Promotion

PY  - 
VL  - 
IS  - 
SN  - 2049-8543

AB  - <b>Background:</b> Prisons represent highly vulnerable environments during public health emergencies because of overcrowding, limited healthcare resources, poor infrastructure, and the high prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among incarcerated populations. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these structural vulnerabilities and highlighted the need to integrate psychological support into emergency preparedness and response. This Brief Communication aimed to examine the psychological challenges associated with public health emergencies in prison settings and to summarize evidence on strategies that may strengthen institutional preparedness and resilience. <b>Methods:</b> An analytical narrative review was conducted based on peer-reviewed publications, international guidelines, and reports from recognized health organizations. Relevant evidence addressing the psychological consequences of public health emergencies, emergency preparedness, institutional resilience, and mental health interventions in correctional settings was identified and narratively synthesized to provide an evidence-informed overview of current knowledge. <b>Results:</b> Available evidence indicates that public health emergencies substantially increase psychological distress among incarcerated individuals by intensifying pre-existing structural vulnerabilities. Prolonged isolation, suspension of family visits, disruption of daily routines, and reduced access to mental health services were consistently associated with increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, fear, emotional distress, and suicidal behaviours. The interaction between chronic confinement and emergency-related restrictions negatively affected coping capacity, adherence to preventive measures, and overall institutional functioning. The literature also supports the implementation of evidence-based interventions, including structured risk communication, psychological screening, telemedicine, continuity of mental healthcare, staff training, multidisciplinary coordination, and validated assessment instruments such as the Anxiety and Fear Assessment of COVID-19 (AMICO_Inmates) scale to identify psychological distress and guide timely interventions. <b>Conclusions:</b> Mental health should be considered a core component of emergency preparedness and response in prison systems. Integrating psychological assessment, evidence-based interventions, coordinated governance, and ethical principles into emergency planning may improve institutional resilience, protect psychological well-being, and strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies in correctional settings.
KW  - Prison mental health; health emergencies; COVID-19 in prisons; institutional resilience; crisis management

DO  - 10.32604/ijmhp.2026.083647