The functioning of prisons as total institutions may cause negative consequences for prisoners’ health. Isolation, deprivation of needs and standardization affect the formation of health problems. Preliminary examinations allow for proper organization of imprisonment. Prisoners who require constant medical care, serve in the therapeutic system. The concept of prisoners’ health need to be included in the physical, mental and social dimension (according to the definition of health by the World Health Organization). Phases of imprisonment affect disorders. Important convicts’ health problems include: self-injury, suicide, and infectious diseases. Another major problem refers to personality changes that occur under the influence of functioning in a closed environment. Prison, functioning as a total institution leads to deprivation of basic needs. The negative consequences of isolation and stress are neutralized through the interaction penitentiary, medical care and programs run by the prison service.

Key words: prisoners’ health, total institution, prison.