The health of female arrestees in police cells: A descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Little information is available regarding the medical status and health care needs of female arrestees. Our objective was to evaluate the perceived health and somatic or psychiatric disorders reported by female arrestees in police cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted an observational study in a regional reference department of forensic medicine in France. We studied female arrestees examined in police cells (01/01/2013-06/30/2013). Data were collected regarding individuals' medical characteristics, addictive behaviours, and perceived health status, as well as reported assaults or recent traumatic injuries. We recorded medical decisions regarding fitness for detention in police cells.

RESULTS: A total of 438 women (median age, 29; range, 13-67) accounted for 5% of the 7408 examined arrestees. Females considered their overall health as good or very good in 314/395 cases (70%). Women reported chronic somatic or psychiatric disorders more frequently than men (89/379, 23% vs. 757/6,135, 12%, p < 0.001 and 59/379, 15% vs. 392/6319, 6%, p < 0.001, respectively). Daily tobacco consumption and cannabis use were reported by 255/403 (63%) and 98/438 female arrestees (22%), respectively. Physical assaults were reported in 113/415 cases (27%). Female arrestees were considered fit for detention in 92% of cases. Among 24 pregnant arrestees, 6 (25%) were unfit for detention, 2 (8%) were fit for custody during daytime only and 16 (67%) were fit for detention if certain conditions were met.

CONCLUSIONS: Detention in police custody involves a minority of females. Females are older and report somatic or psychiatric disorders more frequently than males.