Inadequate housing and health: an overview

TLDR

Housing conditions are a major determinant of human health, yet no consensus definition of “healthy housing” exists and knowledge gaps remain. The study aims to examine how housing conditions influence mental health, sleep quality, indoor air quality, safety, accessibility, obesity, mould, hygrothermal conditions, energy use, crime perception, and overall residential quality. The authors review and synthesize evidence linking housing characteristics to a range of health and environmental outcomes. Epidemiological evidence shows strong associations between housing conditions and various health outcomes.

Abstract

For many years, the housing environment has been acknowledged as one of the main settings that affect human health. Living and housing conditions are the basis of many factors influencing residential health. Still, to date there is no commonly agreed upon definition of 'healthy housing', and there are still major gaps in the knowledge on how housing conditions may affect health. Epidemiological findings suggest strong associations between housing conditions and health effects. This paper explores the relevance of housing conditions as a key factor influencing mental health, sleep quality, indoor air, home safety, accessibility, obesity, mould growth, hygrothermal conditions and energy consumption, perception of crime, and residential quality.