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Sharifi S, Mosafer H, Rahmati M, Babaei Khorzoughi K, Parandeh A. Dwelling characteristics and mental well-being in older adults: A systematic review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37676. [PMID: 39309881 PMCID: PMC11416234 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges in older adults underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between dwelling characteristics and mental health outcomes. This systematic review aims to investigate house characteristics associated with mental well-being in older adults. The review meticulously explores existing literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar search engine. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess the quality of the included articles. Out of an initial 1182 references, 21 pertinent articles published between 2002 and 2023 were included in the study. While the geographical scope was global, a notable concentration of studies was observed in China. The synthesis of studies reveals that specific attributes of dwelling characteristics, such as high-rise and multi-floor houses, larger house size, high house quality, bathing facilities, and the use of clean fuels for heating and cooking, positively impact mental health outcomes in older adults. However, inconsistent results were found regarding the impact of construction materials on mental health outcomes. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between construction materials and mental health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of considering specific dwelling characteristics in designing interventions to enhance the mental well-being of older adults, necessitating targeted strategies for creating age-friendly living environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sharifi
- Department of Geriatric and Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hadis Mosafer
- Department of Geriatric and Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Rahmati
- Department of Geriatric and Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kimia Babaei Khorzoughi
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Islamic Azad University Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akram Parandeh
- Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, South Sheikh Bahai St, Mollasadra St., Vanak Square, Tehran, Iran
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Hegde MV, Park S, Zhu X, Lee C. Multi-Family Housing Environment and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Am J Health Promot 2024:8901171241254940. [PMID: 38785111 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241254940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify environmental features of multi-family housing (MFH) and their surrounding neighborhoods that influence residents' physical activity (PA). DATA SOURCE Articles published between January 2000 and September 2023 were identified from major social science, medical, health, behavioral science, and urban studies databases. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA Studies were included if they (a) were empirical studies published in peer-reviewed journals and written in English; (b) focused on the MFH environment or the surrounding neighborhood; and (c) had at least one PA outcome. DATA EXTRACTION Data was extracted regarding the study objective, location, study sample, research design, results related to MFH and neighborhood environment, and limitations. DATA SYNTHESIS Descriptive summary of study characteristics and analysis to identify emerging themes at three spatial scales (i.e., building, site, and neighborhood). RESULTS Findings from 35 identified articles revealed factors influencing MFH residents' PA. On the building level, typology (apartment, townhouse) and tenure (public, market rent) showed contrasting correlations with PA in different age groups. On the site level, the presence of PA facilities and safe, walking-friendly environments promoted PA. On the neighborhood level, safety, quality of PA and pedestrian infrastructure, upkeep, air quality, aesthetics, neighborhood satisfaction, street connectivity, walkability, land use mix, density, and public transport promoted PA. CONCLUSION Study findings highlight the importance of the MFH environments in promoting PA, especially in older adults and young children. With increasing housing demand, understanding diverse MFH typologies and the impact of interventions on multi-spatial scales can help promote healthy and activity-friendly communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seokyung Park
- Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Ziersch A, Walsh M, Due C. Housing and health for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds: findings from an Australian qualitative longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1138. [PMID: 38654272 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds, housing and the re-establishment of home are key social determinants of health. Research highlights the inequities faced by asylum seekers and refugees in the housing markets of high-income resettlement countries, resulting in their overrepresentation in precarious housing. There is also emerging evidence of the relationship between housing and health for this population relating to lack of affordability, insecurity of tenure, and poor suitability (physical and social). The mechanisms by which housing impacts health for this group within these housing contexts, is however, understudied - especially overtime. This qualitative longitudinal study aimed to address this gap. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds in South Australia, recruited through a community survey. Thematic analysis of interview data across three time points over three years identified four material and psychosocial mechanisms through which housing contributed to health outcomes via psychological and physical stressors - physical environment; stability; safety; and social connections, support and services. The study also identified additional health promoting resources, particularly elements of ontological security. The dynamics of these indirect and direct mechanisms were further illuminated by considering the impact of international, national and local contexts and a range of intersecting social factors including gender, country/culture of origin, family circumstances, immigration status, language skills, income, and health status. CONCLUSIONS Rebuilding a sense of home and ontological security is a key resettlement priority and crucial for wellbeing. More comprehensive strategies to facilitate this for refugees and asylum seekers are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ziersch
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Moira Walsh
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Psychology; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Sprague Martinez L, Ginzburg SL, Ron S, Brinkerhoff CA, Haque S, England SA, Khimani K, Zamore W, Reisner E, Lowe L, Brugge D. Communities catalyzing change with data to mitigate an invisible menace, traffic-related air pollution. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:411. [PMID: 38331744 PMCID: PMC10854106 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17864-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify strategies and tactics communities use to translate research into environmental health action. METHODS We employed a qualitative case study design to explore public health action conducted by residents, organizers, and public health planners in two Massachusetts communities as part of a community based participatory (CBPR) research study. Data sources included key informant interviews (n = 24), reports and direct observation of research and community meetings (n = 10) and project meeting minutes from 2016-2021. Data were coded deductively drawing on the community organizing and implementation frameworks. RESULTS In Boston Chinatown, partners drew broad participation from community-based organizations, residents, and municipal leaders, which resulted in air pollution mitigation efforts being embedded in the master planning process. In Somerville, partners focused on change at multiple levels, developer behavior, and separate from the funded research, local legislative efforts, and litigation. CONCLUSIONS CBPR affords communities the ability to environmental health efforts in a way that is locally meaningful, leveraging their respective strengths. External facilitation can support the continuity and sustainment of community led CBPR efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sprague Martinez
- School of Social Work, Macro Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Health Disparities Institute, 241 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA.
| | - Shir Lerman Ginzburg
- Department of Public Health, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sharon Ron
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Samiya Haque
- School of Social Work, Macro Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kynza Khimani
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Wig Zamore
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA, USA
| | - Ellin Reisner
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, Somerville, MA, USA
| | - Lydia Lowe
- Chinatown Community Land Trust, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Doug Brugge
- School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
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Arbour M, Fico P, Atwood S, Yu N, Hur L, Srinivasan M, Gitomer R. Primary Care-Based Housing Program Reduced Outpatient Visits; Patients Reported Mental And Physical Health Benefits. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:200-208. [PMID: 38315923 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Screening for housing instability has increased as health systems move toward value-based care, but evidence on how health care-based housing interventions affect patient outcomes comes mostly from interventions that address homelessness. In this mixed-methods evaluation of a primary care-based housing program in Boston, Massachusetts, for 1,139 patients with housing-related needs that extend beyond homelessness, we found associations between program participation and health care use. Patients enrolled in the program between October 2018 and March 2021 had 2.5 fewer primary care visits and 3.6 fewer outpatient visits per year compared with those who were not enrolled, including fewer social work, behavioral health, psychiatry, and urgent care visits. Patients in the program who obtained new housing reported mental and physical health benefits, and some expressed having stronger connections to their health care providers. Many patients attributed improvements in mental health to compassionate support provided by the program's housing advocates. Health care-based housing interventions should address the needs of patients facing imminent housing crises. Such interventions hold promise for redressing health inequities and restoring dignity to the connections between historically marginalized patient populations and health care institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Na Yu
- Na Yu, Brigham and Women's Hospital
| | - Lynn Hur
- Lynn Hur, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maahika Srinivasan
- Maahika Srinivasan, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Murphy M, Grundy EMD. Housing tenure and disability in the UK: trends and projections 2004-2030. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1248909. [PMID: 38239788 PMCID: PMC10795505 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1248909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Housing is a major influence on health. Housing tenure is associated with housing conditions, affordability, and security and is an important dimension of housing. In the UK there have been profound changes in both housing conditions and the distribution of households by tenure over the past century, that is during the lifetimes of the current population. Methods We firstly reviewed and summarise changes in housing conditions, housing policy and tenure distribution as they provide a context to possible explanations for health variations by housing tenure, including health related selection into different tenure types. We then use 2015-2021 data from a large nationally representative UK survey to analyse associations between housing tenure and self-reported disability among those aged 40-69 controlling for other socio-demographic factors also associated with health. We additionally examine changes in the association between housing tenure and self-reported disability in the population aged 25 and over in the first two decades of the 21st century and project trends forward to 2030. Results Results show that associations between housing tenure and disability by tenure were stronger than for any other indicator of socio-economic position considered with owner-occupiers having the best, and social renters the worst, health. Differences were particularly marked in reported mental health conditions and in economic activity, with 28% of social renters being economically inactive due to health problems, compared with 4% of owner-occupiers. Rates of disability have increased over time, and become increasingly polarised by tenure. By 2020 the age standardised disability rate among tenants of social housing was over twice as high as that for owner occupiers, with projections indicating further increases in both levels, and differentials in, disability by 2030. Discussion These results have substantial implications for housing providers, local authorities and for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murphy
- Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
- Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emily M. D. Grundy
- Institute for Economic and Social Research, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
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Sheppard CL, Pattni N, Gunasegaran T, Austen A, Hitzig SL. Housing Satisfaction Among Older Adults Living in Low-Income Seniors' Housing. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2023; 66:134-151. [PMID: 36285435 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2022.2140240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tenant experience surveys are a key tool for social housing landlords to gauge their success in providing high quality housing. This paper examines feedback from a tenant experience survey facilitated in a low-income housing seniors' housing community to: (1) examine their perceptions of their housing across key domains related to tenant satisfaction; and (2) identify opportunities they felt would improve their housing experience. A total of 1,114 households completed the survey. Results showed that tenants generally had high satisfaction with property management, safety and security, communication with staff, access to services, community support, and tenancy management. However, open-ended comments from tenants highlighted specific situations that negatively impacted their housing, including maintenance issues, safety concerns, and limited access to health and social programs. Findings point to several suggestions for social housing providers to enhance their services to foster inclusive, supportive, and safe housing environments for low-income older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Sheppard
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Wellesley Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Noorin Pattni
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Austen
- Senior Services and Long-Term Care, City of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sander L Hitzig
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kwan C, Tam HC. "What If I Die and No One Notices?" A Qualitative Study Exploring How Living Alone and in Poverty Impacts the Health and Well-Being of Older People in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15856. [PMID: 36497930 PMCID: PMC9739217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing number of older people who live alone and in poverty, the intersection of these two social risk factors and the impacts on older adults' health and well-being have not been widely examined. This qualitative study explores the challenges and strengths of 47 older people who live alone and in poverty in Hong Kong. Thematic analysis was used to identify eight themes related to challenges: (i) social isolation and loneliness, (ii) self-esteem and self-efficacy, (iii) declining mobility, health and activity levels, (iv) high medical expenses, (v) age discrimination and long wait times for medical health services, (vi) age discrimination, retirement, and wanting part-time employment, (vii) not enough gender-specific social participation activities, and (viii) housing insecurity. Four themes related to strengths were identified: (i) An "I have enough" mindset, (ii) strong formal social support, (iii) contributing to the community and others, and (v) "Most of us like to be alone." Successfully addressing poverty in old age and tackling the challenges associated with living alone will require focusing on and activating not only external and systemic resources but also the intrinsic capacities and strengths of older adults themselves. Five discussion points are raised addressing the implications for future gerontological research and practice.
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Do the Determinants of Mental Wellbeing Vary by Housing Tenure Status? Secondary Analysis of a 2017 Cross-Sectional Residents Survey in Cornwall, South West England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073816. [PMID: 35409496 PMCID: PMC8997911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Housing is a social determinant of health, comprising multiple interrelated attributes; the current study was developed to examine whether differences in mental wellbeing across housing tenure types might relate to individual, living, or neighbourhood circumstances. To achieve this aim, an exploratory cross-sectional analysis was conducted using secondary data from a county-wide resident survey undertaken by Cornwall Council in 2017. The survey included questions about individual, living, or neighbourhood circumstances, as well as mental wellbeing (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). A random sample of 30,152 households in Cornwall were sent the survey, from whom 11,247 valid responses were received (38% response), but only 4085 (13.5%) provided complete data for this study. Stratified stepwise models were estimated to generate hypotheses about inequalities in mental wellbeing related to housing tenure. Health, life satisfaction, and social connectedness were found to be universal determinants of mental wellbeing, whereas issues related to living circumstances (quality of housing, fuel poverty) were only found to be related to wellbeing among residents of privately owned and rented properties. Sense of safety and belonging (neighbourhood circumstances) were also found to be related to wellbeing, which together suggests that whole system place-based home and people/community-centred approaches are needed to reduce inequalities.
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