Finnish study on prisoners' health wins international research award
The Health and Wellbeing of Prisoners 2023 (Wattu IV) has received the 2025 Research Award from the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA). The study was a joint project between the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Health Care Services for Prisoners, and the Prison and Probation Service of Finland.
According to the international award jury, the Wattu IV Prison Population Study underlines the importance of actions being grounded in knowledge and understanding and enhances professionalism and excellence in correctional activities at both organisational and individual levels. In addition, it encourages cooperation, partnership, teamwork, and the sharing of professional knowledge, as well as improved humanitarian approaches toward inmates and offenders.
Anna Arola-Järvi, Director General of the Prison and Probation Service, emphasises that imprisonment offers a rare opportunity to address the complex problems faced by prisoners: substance abuse, mental health issues, and social exclusion. Research data is a tool for better decision-making and effective development.
The research award was presented at the ICPA Annual Conference in Istanbul on 29 October. Each year, the organisation presents the ICPA Correctional Excellence Awards in various categories for achievements that advance corrections.
According to Anneli Pouta, Director of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the award is a welcome recognition of the success and significance of this important research project.
– It has been an honour to lead a study that reached an exceptionally wide range of people who are excluded from almost all services. Thanks to their trust, we now understand what kinds of problems severely marginalized individuals face – and, most importantly, what can be done to address them. This knowledge improves the quality of life for all of us and increases the safety of society, says Head of Research Mika Rautanen.
Results have been utilised in practice
The results of the study have already been used in planning the work of prisons and the Health Care Services for Prisoners. For example, practices related to the identification and treatment of ADHD, the opioid substitution treatment programmes, and the treatment of hepatitis C have been reformed since the publication of the study. These measures not only help to improve prisoners’ health but also enhance staff safety and motivation.
Bodies overseeing legality have also used the findings of the study in their work. In April 2025, the Deputy Ombudsman's decision on the availability of psychiatric care for prisoners referred to the key findings of the Wattu IV Prison Population Study.
Prisoners are motivated to improve their health
The Wattu IV Prison Population Study provides a comprehensive overview of prisoners' health and wellbeing, covering topics such as psychotic disorders, experiences of loneliness, infectious diseases, smoking, and social inclusion.
According to the study, prisoners are motivated to improve their health. As their health improves, their participation in prison activities, such as work, education, and rehabilitation programmes, may increase. In addition, treatment plans drawn up by healthcare professionals can be used in planning rehabilitation after release.
The visual layout and reader-friendly text of the study also help the general public to learn about this specialised field. Researchers note that the book has found its place in student libraries.
–This study, which has now received the award, is the fourth in a series on prisoners’ health. The health of prisoners has been scientifically studied in Finland since the 1970s, says Senior Specialist Sasu Tyni.
The first comprehensive study on the health, work ability, and treatment needs of prisoners arriving at prison was published in 1985 (Wattu I), which was also the first of its kind in the world. Follow-up studies were published in the early 1990s (Wattu II) and in 2010 (Wattu III). The research tradition established by Professor Emeritus Matti Joukamaa and his team continues with several follow-up studies based on the Wattu IV Prison Population Study on the health and wellbeing of prisoners.
Further information:
Mika Rautanen, Head of Research
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
[email protected]
Tel. +358 29 524 5776
Sasu Tyni, Senior Specialist
Prison and Probation Service
[email protected]
Tel. +358 29 568 8412
Published 30.10.2025