Around 3 in 5 prison entrants reported having a mental health condition at some stage of their life, according to new national data published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The health of people in Australia's prisons 2025 highlights the health needs of people in prison and the importance of care and support in custody.
Mental health or behavioural conditions were also the most common health issue recorded in prison medical records in 2024-25, affecting more than half (56%) of people in prison, followed by communicable diseases (16%), asthma (16%), obesity or metabolic conditions (12%) and cardiovascular disease (9.2%).
'For some people, prison may be one of the first opportunities to receive regular health care and treatment,' said AIHW spokesperson Amanda Donges.
'Supporting people's health while they are in prison can contribute to better health outcomes during custody and help support a successful return to the community after release.'
Over 9 in 10 (95%) people in prison used the prison clinic during the 2024-25 financial year.
There were 47,000 people in Australia's prisons on 30 June 2025, a 21% increase from 2016. Around 9 in 10 were male and nearly 2 in 5 were First Nations people.
'The report also highlights the broader social and economic circumstances experienced by many people before entering prison,' said Ms Donges.
For nearly 3 in 10 prison entrants, the highest level of completed schooling was Year 9 or below.
One in 4 prison entrants experienced homelessness in the month before entering prison, while around 1 in 3 people discharged from prison were expected to be homeless once released.
Risky health behaviours were also common among people entering prison. Four in 5 prison entrants reported using illicit drugs in the previous 12 months, while rates of smoking, alcohol use and drug use were higher than those seen in the general population.
'Despite these challenges, many people reported improved health while in custody, highlighting the important role correctional health services can play in supporting health and wellbeing,' said Ms Donges.
Over half (51%) of people discharged from prison reported their physical health improved while in prison, compared with 27% who said it stayed the same and 22% who said it became worse.
'Improving health in custody can support better outcomes during imprisonment and after release, benefiting both individuals and the wider community,' said Ms Donges.
