Abstract
This report presents the findings from the first study in Australia to use linkages between administrative records to identify the risk factors for mortality and morbidity among released prisoners and to accurately predict usage of hospital and mental health services. The study used information from the Western Australian Data Linkage System to track the use of health and mental health services by a cohort of prisoners released in that state between 1995 and 2001 before and after imprisonment. Analysis of these data sought to determine the risk of death, injury or mental disorder compared with the general population. Separate results are given for male and female, Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners.