- Qualifications:PhD [Prison Health], MSc [Health Promotion, BA (Hons) Geography, Registered General Nurse
- Position:Retired
- Email:Nick.DeViggiani@uwe.ac.uk
Area of expertise
Nick de Viggiani is a prominent figure in the field of sociology and public health, particularly known for his research on the health conditions within prison systems. His work has significantly contributed to understanding the structural determinants of health in correctional facilities, emphasizing the interplay between social conditions and health outcomes for incarcerated individuals. His seminal paper, "Unhealthy prisons: exploring structural determinants of prison health," published in the Sociology of Health & Illness, discussed how various structural factors, such as overcrowding, inadequate healthcare services, and social inequalities, adversely affect the health of prisoners (de Viggiani, 2007). He argued that these conditions not only compromise the physical and mental well-being of inmates but also reflect broader societal issues related to health disparities. This work is particularly relevant in the context of the UK's commitment to improving health outcomes in prisons, as indicated by the government's alignment with the World Health Organization's Health in Prisons Project (de Viggiani, 2007). In another significant contribution, "Surviving Prison: Exploring prison social life as a determinant of health," published in the International Journal of Prisoner Health, he further explored how the social dynamics within prisons can influence health outcomes. He highlighted that the social environment, including relationships among inmates and interactions with staff, plays a crucial role in shaping the overall health of individuals in these settings (de Viggiani, 2006). This perspective underscores the importance of addressing not only the physical conditions of prisons but also the social fabric that exists within them. Moreover, de Viggiani's research has had important implications for policy and practice, advocating for a holistic approach to prison health that includes mental health support and the integration of healthcare services into the prison system. His findings suggest that improving health in prisons requires systemic changes that address both the physical environment and the social determinants of health, thereby promoting a more comprehensive understanding of health in correctional contexts (de Viggiani, 2007; de Viggiani, 2006). In summary, Nick de Viggiani is a key scholar whose work has significantly advanced the discourse on health in prisons, focusing on the structural and social determinants that impact the well-being of incarcerated individuals. His research has been vital in terms of informing policies aimed at improving health outcomes within prison systems and addressing the broader social inequalities that contribute to health disparities.
Publications
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