International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Editorial

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9 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Housing and Health: Here We Go Again

by Lorenzo Capasso and Daniela D’Alessandro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12060; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212060 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2856

Abstract

Housing is one of the major determinants of human health and the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted its relevance. The authors summarize the main issues, including dimensional standards, indoor air quality, safety, accessibility, neighborhoods, and area characteristics. The authors propose an operating scheme [...] Read more.

Housing is one of the major determinants of human health and the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted its relevance. The authors summarize the main issues, including dimensional standards, indoor air quality, safety, accessibility, neighborhoods, and area characteristics. The authors propose an operating scheme in order to implement actions to improve residential wellbeing on a local, national, and international level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

Research

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13 pages, 769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Further Inspection: Integrating Housing Code Enforcement and Social Services to Improve Community Health

by Katharine Robb, Ashley Marcoux and Jorrit de Jong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12014; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212014 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3390

Abstract

As a result of working inside homes, city housing inspectors witness hidden and serious threats to public health. However, systems to respond to the range of problems they encounter are lacking. In this study, we describe the impact and enabling environment for integrating [...] Read more.

As a result of working inside homes, city housing inspectors witness hidden and serious threats to public health. However, systems to respond to the range of problems they encounter are lacking. In this study, we describe the impact and enabling environment for integrating a novel Social Service Referral Program within the Inspectional Services Department in Chelsea, MA. To evaluate the first eight months of the program, we used a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from 15 referrals and qualitative interviews with six key informants (inspectors, a case manager, and city leadership). The most common services provided to residents referred by inspectors were for fuel, food, and rent assistance; healthcare; hoarding; and homelessness prevention. Half of referred residents were not receiving other social services. Inspectors reported increased work efficiency and reduced psychological burden because of the program. Interviewees described how quality of life improved not only for referred residents but also for the surrounding neighborhood. A simple referral process that made inspectors’ jobs easier and a trusted, well-connected service provider funded to carry out the work facilitated the program’s uptake and impact. Housing inspectors’ encounters with residents present a unique opportunity to expand the public health impact of housing code enforcement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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13 pages, 994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Positive Association between Indoor Gaseous Air Pollution and Obesity: An Observational Study in 60 Households

by Jia-Kun Chen, Charlene Wu and Ta-Chen Su

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111447 - 30 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2211

Abstract

This study aims to analyze whether exposure to indoor air pollution affects obesity. In our research, we recruited 127 participants, with an average age of 43.30 ± 15.38 years old, residing in 60 households. We monitored indoor air quality for 24 h, and [...] Read more.

This study aims to analyze whether exposure to indoor air pollution affects obesity. In our research, we recruited 127 participants, with an average age of 43.30 ± 15.38 years old, residing in 60 households. We monitored indoor air quality for 24 h, and conducted both questionnaire surveys and collected serum samples for analysis, to assess the relationship between indoor air pollutant exposure and obesity. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, the results showed that CO₂ exposure is positively associated with being overweight and with a higher risk of being abdominally obese. Exposures to CO and formaldehyde were also positively associated with being overweight. IQR increase in TVOC was positively associated with increases in the risk of a high BMI, being abdominally obese and having a high body fat percentage. Two-pollutant models demonstrate that TVOCs presented the strongest risks associated with overweightness. We concluded that persistent exposure to indoor gaseous pollutants increases the risk of overweightness and obesity, as indicated by the positive association with BMI, abdominal obesity, and percentage body fat. TVOCs display the strongest contribution to obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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15 pages, 1260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Threats to and Opportunities for Low-Income Homeownership, Housing Stability, and Health: Protocol for the Detroit 2017 Make-It-Home Evaluation Study

by Roshanak Mehdipanah, Margaret Dewar and Alexa Eisenberg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111230 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

Few studies have examined the combined effects of affordability, housing conditions and neighborhood characteristics on the housing stability and health of low-income homeowners. We begin to address these gaps through a mixed-method study design that evaluates the Make-it-Home program (MiH) in Detroit, Michigan, [...] Read more.

Few studies have examined the combined effects of affordability, housing conditions and neighborhood characteristics on the housing stability and health of low-income homeowners. We begin to address these gaps through a mixed-method study design that evaluates the Make-it-Home program (MiH) in Detroit, Michigan, aimed at helping low-income tenants become homeowners when their landlords lose their homes to tax foreclosure. We compare the ‘intervened group’ of MiH homeowners to a ‘comparison’ group of similarly situated households whose homes experience property tax foreclosure at the same time. The comparison group represents the likely outcomes for the participants had they not participated the program. Participants will be surveyed twice (intervened group), or once (comparison group) per year over a three-year period, regarding their housing and neighborhood conditions, health, life events, and socio-economic status, including income and employment. We will use property and neighborhood census data to further examine the conditions experienced. The findings for policy and program development from this study are timely as the nation faces a chronic shortage of affordable housing for both purchasers and renters. The results suggest ways to improve the MiH program and lay out approaches for researchers to navigate some of the complexities associated with this type of research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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9 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Environmental Quality in Dwellings and Lifestyle Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Russian Perspective

by Vladimir Reshetnikov, Oleg Mitrokhin, Elena Belova, Victor Mikhailovsky, Maria Mikerova, Ali Alsaegh, Irina Yakushina and Valery Royuk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115975 - 2 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3411

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern, and as a response, public health authorities started enforcing preventive measures like self-isolation and social distancing. The enforcement of isolation has consequences that may affect the lifestyle-related behavior of the [...] Read more.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern, and as a response, public health authorities started enforcing preventive measures like self-isolation and social distancing. The enforcement of isolation has consequences that may affect the lifestyle-related behavior of the general population. Quarantine encompasses a range of strategies that can be used to detain, isolate, or conditionally release individuals or populations infected or exposed to contagious diseases and should be tailored to circumstances. Interestingly, medical students may represent an example of how the COVID-19 pandemic can form new habits and change lifestyle behaviors. We conducted a web-based survey to assess changes in lifestyle-related behavior of self-isolated medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then we analyzed the sanitary-hygienic regulations of the Russian Federation to determine the requirements for healthy buildings. Results showed that during the pandemic, the enforcement of isolation affects medical students’ lifestyle-related behavior and accompanies an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and healthy buildings are cutting-edge factors in preventing COVID-19 and NCDs. The Russian sanitary-hygienic regulations support improving this factor with suitable requirements for ventilation, sewage, waste management, and disinfection. Herein, assessing isolation is possible through the hygienic self-isolation index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

21 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Understanding the Wicked Problem of Providing Accessible Housing for the Ageing Population in Sweden

by Oskar Jonsson, Joakim Frögren, Maria Haak, Björn Slaug and Susanne Iwarsson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031169 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3509

Abstract

While accessible housing is known as important to promote healthy ageing, the societal issue of providing accessible housing for the ageing population bears the characteristics of a “wicked problem”. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of crucial variables [...] Read more.

While accessible housing is known as important to promote healthy ageing, the societal issue of providing accessible housing for the ageing population bears the characteristics of a “wicked problem”. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of crucial variables for decision-making about the provision of accessible housing for the ageing population in Sweden. Materials used for a deductive content analysis were elicited through a research circle involving three researchers and twelve non-academic representatives. Brown and colleagues’ conceptual five-dimension framework to address wicked problems was used for the understanding of crucial variables in decision-making about housing provision. The findings show that such reasoning is dominated by the socioeconomic dimension. Findings in the biophysical dimension reveal well-known challenges pertaining to the definition and interpretation of the concept of accessibility and its operationalization. The dimensions are intertwined in a complex manner, which is essential for effective and efficient decision-making. The findings could make decision-makers aware of the diversity of individual thinking involved when addressing this wicked problem. Acting upon the crucial variables identified in this study could contribute to progressive decision-making and more efficient ways to develop and provide accessible housing to promote health ageing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

16 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Health Problems of Young Single-Person Households in Housing Poverty Living in Seoul, South Korea: A Qualitative Study

by Jisun Kim and Seunghyun Yoo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031067 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4033

Abstract

There is an increased prevalence of housing poverty among urban young adults; however, research on housing poverty and health is lacking. This study examined the effects of housing poverty on the health concepts of young people living alone. In-depth interviews were conducted with [...] Read more.

There is an increased prevalence of housing poverty among urban young adults; however, research on housing poverty and health is lacking. This study examined the effects of housing poverty on the health concepts of young people living alone. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 single-person households, with individuals aged 19–39 years, living in Seoul, the demographic group with the highest housing poverty rate in South Korea. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Based on the health concepts of the respondents, housing poverty negatively affected health in terms of “the occurrence and continuation of anxiety,” “the increase and continuation of lethargy,” “the difficulty in managing daily life and taking care of health,” “the lack of a dependable support person,” and “the difficulty in preventing and treating disease.” The majority of young people experienced difficulties responding to their situations, and their housing poverty was hard to overcome. This study suggests the need to expand healthy housing policies, strengthen housing safety nets, and enhance access to public resources needed for a healthy living. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

10 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Lockdown: Housing Built Environment’s Effects on Mental Health

by Andrea Amerio, Andrea Brambilla, Alessandro Morganti, Andrea Aguglia, Davide Bianchi, Francesca Santi, Luigi Costantini, Anna Odone, Alessandra Costanza, Carlo Signorelli, Gianluca Serafini, Mario Amore and Stefano Capolongo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5973; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165973 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 294 | Viewed by 28562

Abstract

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic on 11 March, severe lockdown measures have been adopted by the Italian Government. For over two months of stay-at-home orders, houses became the only place where people [...] Read more.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic on 11 March, severe lockdown measures have been adopted by the Italian Government. For over two months of stay-at-home orders, houses became the only place where people slept, ate, worked, practiced sports, and socialized. As consolidated evidence exists on housing as a determinant of health, it is of great interest to explore the impact that COVID-19 response-related lockdown measures have had on mental health and well-being. We conducted a large web-based survey on 8177 students from a university institute in Milan, Northern Italy, one of the regions most heavily hit by the pandemic in Europe. As emerged from our analysis, poor housing is associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms during lockdown. In particular, living in apartments <60 m² with poor views and scarce indoor quality is associated with, respectively, 1.31 (95% CI: 1046–1637), 1.368 (95% CI: 1166–1605), and 2.253 (95% CI: 1918–2647) times the risk of moderate–severe and severe depressive symptoms. Subjects reporting worsened working performance from home were over four times more likely to also report depression (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 3713–4924). Housing design strategies should focus on larger and more livable living spaces facing green areas. We argue that a strengthened multi-interdisciplinary approach, involving urban planning, public mental health, environmental health, epidemiology, and sociology, is needed to investigate the effects of the built environment on mental health, so as to inform welfare and housing policies centered on population well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

Review

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26 pages, 14308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impacts Related to Mould-Affected Housing: An Australian Integrative Review

by Lisa Coulburn and Wendy Miller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031854 - 7 Feb 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6437

Abstract

In response to an Australian governmental inquiry into biotoxin-related illness, the purpose of this integrative review is to bring together the current state of evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and impacts related to mould-affected housing in an Australian context, in order to [...] Read more.

In response to an Australian governmental inquiry into biotoxin-related illness, the purpose of this integrative review is to bring together the current state of evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and impacts related to mould-affected housing in an Australian context, in order to inform building, housing and health research, practice and policy. The robust integrative review methodology simultaneously sought quantitative and qualitative studies and grey literature from multiple disciplines, identifying only 45 studies directly relating to Australian housing and indoor mould. Twenty-one studies highlight negative health impacts relating to indoor residential mould, with asthma, respiratory, allergy conditions and emerging health concerns for chronic multiple-symptom presentation. The majority of studies reported risk factors for indoor mould including poor housing conditions, poor-quality rental accommodation, socioeconomic circumstance, age-related housing issues and concerns for surface/interstitial condensation and building defects in newer housing. Risks for indoor mould in both older and newer housing raise concerns for the extent of the problem of indoor mould in Australia. Understanding the national prevalence of housing risks and “root cause” associated with indoor mould is not conclusive from the limited existing evidence. Synthesis of this evidence reveals a lack of coverage on: (1) national and geographical representation, (2) climatical coverage, (3) housing typologies, (4) housing defects, (5) maintenance, (6) impact from urbanisation, and (7) occupant’s behaviour. This integrative review was key in identifying emerging housing and health concerns, highlighting gaps in data and implications to be addressed by researchers, practice and policy and acts as a comprehensive holistic review process that can be applied to other countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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19 pages, 666 KiB

Open AccessReview

Housing Spaces in Nine European Countries: A Comparison of Dimensional Requirements

by Letizia Appolloni and Daniela D’Alessandro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084278 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 10054

Abstract

Modern housing units must meet new needs and requirements; housing dimensions and functional characteristics are relevant issues, mainly considering population ageing and disability. The housing standards of nine European countries were compared to analyze their ability to satisfy new population need, in terms [...] Read more.

Modern housing units must meet new needs and requirements; housing dimensions and functional characteristics are relevant issues, mainly considering population ageing and disability. The housing standards of nine European countries were compared to analyze their ability to satisfy new population need, in terms of size. The regulations were downloaded from the websites of the official channels of each country. A wide variability in room size was observed (e.g., single room: from 9 m² in Italy to 7 m² in France, to the absence of any limit in England and Wales, Germany-Hesse, and Denmark). Italian and French legislations define housing dimension considering the room destination and the number of people. The Swedish regulation provides performance requirements and functional indications but does not specify the minimum dimensions of habitable rooms. The rooms’ minimum heights vary between 2.70 m in Italy and Portugal and 2.60 m in the Netherlands, but no limits are established in England and Wales. A diverse approach among European countries regulations is observed: from a market-oriented logic one (e.g., England and Wales) in which room minimum dimensions are not defined to a prescriptive one (Italy) and one that is functionality-oriented (the Netherlands). However, considering the health, social, environmental, and economic trends, many of these standards should be revised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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24 pages, 3090 KiB

Open AccessReview

Housing Risk Factors Associated with Respiratory Disease: A Systematic Review

by Nipuni Nilakshini Wimalasena, Alice Chang-Richards, Kevin I-Kai Wang and Kim N. Dirks

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062815 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6015

Abstract

Cold, damp and mouldy housing arises from the degradation of the housing stock over time due to weathering and a lack of maintenance. Living in such houses is associated with many adverse impacts on human health, especially for those with existing health issues. [...] Read more.

Cold, damp and mouldy housing arises from the degradation of the housing stock over time due to weathering and a lack of maintenance. Living in such houses is associated with many adverse impacts on human health, especially for those with existing health issues. This paper presents a systematic review, using the PRISMA protocol, consisting of an exploratory analysis of housing-related risk factors associated with respiratory disease. The review consisted of 360 studies investigating 19 risk factors associated with respiratory conditions. Each fall into one of four categories, namely, (1) outdoor environment-related factors; (2) indoor air pollution-related factors; (3) housing non-structure-related factors; or (4) housing structure-related factors. The results show that effects of poor housing conditions on occupants’ respiratory health is a growing research field, where poor indoor air quality, mainly due to a lack of adequate ventilation, was found to be the most influential risk factor. Usage of solid fuel and living in an urban area without a pollutant-free air filtration system are the main risk factors related to inadequate ventilation. Therefore, an adequate and reliable ventilation system with air-infiltration was considered to be the main mitigation solution to improve indoor air quality. It is suggested that government organisations and health practitioners could use the identified risk factors to measure the healthiness of existing dwellings and take measures to improve existing conditions and develop regulations for new housing construction to promote the healthy home concept. Further research is needed for risk mitigation strategies to reduce the respiratory health burden attributed to housing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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