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Extrait
Background and study aims We have previously shown that better nutrition reduced offending in a prison and poor nutrition may thus be a cause of antisocial behaviour that we can do something about. This raises the possibility that for a great number of people, not only their health but also their ability to behave sociably could be improved by changing what they eat. This is not an area currently considered in standards of dietary adequacy and little is currently known about the best nutrient dosages required for brain function or behaviour. We will therefore carry out a larger study in 3 Young Offenders Institutes; we will administer vitamin, mineral and essential fatty acid supplements or placebo capsules to confirm our previous results and try to match the prisoners blood level changes in these nutrients with a range of behavioural measures. Who can participate? Volunteers from three institutions housing 1200 finally sentenced male prisoners aged 16 to 21 years. What does the study involve? Volunteers will take capsules containing vitamins, mineral and essential fatty acids or dummy (placebo) capsules. Volunteers will be randomly allocated to receive either the active capsule or placebo, and neither the volunteer nor the person giving them the capsule will know which one they are getting. Blood samples will be collected before and during supplementation to allow us to assess how changes in nutrient levels affect a range of behaviours including: violence, drug-related offences and incidents of self-harm. We will also match changes in blood levels with measures of attention, planning skills, impulse control and social interactions. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Improving nutrition should improve the health of the prisoners taking the active supplements. Since these are normal nutrients, adverse effects are highly unlikely. Those who dislike having blood taken will be free to decline. Where is the study run from? Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started in March 2009 and is expected to run for 4 years. Who is funding the study? The Wellcome Trust (UK) Who is the main contact? Professor John F Stein [email protected]
Critère d'inclusion
- Anti-social behaviour in prison