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Scientific Reports Apr 2022Recent wildfire events (e.g. Mediterranean region, USA, and Australia) showed that this hazard poses a serious threat for wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas around the...
Recent wildfire events (e.g. Mediterranean region, USA, and Australia) showed that this hazard poses a serious threat for wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas around the globe. Furthermore, recent events in regions where wildfire does not constitute a frequent hazard (e.g. Siberia, Scandinavia) indicated that the spatial pattern of wildfire risk might have significantly changed. To prepare for upcoming extreme events, it is critical for decision-makers to have a thorough understanding of the vulnerability of the built environment to wildfire. Building quality and design standards are important not only because building loss is costly but also because robust buildings may offer shelter when evacuation is not possible. However, studies aiming at the analysis of wildfire vulnerability for the built environment are limited. This paper presents an innovative solution for the vulnerability assessment to wildfires, making use of an all-relevant feature selection algorithm established on statistical relationships to develop a physical vulnerability index for buildings subject to wildfire. Data from a recent and systematically documented wildfire event in Greece (Mati, 2018) are used to select and weight the relevant indicators using a permutation-based automated feature selection based on random forests. Building characteristics including the structural type, the roof type, material and shape, the inclination of the ground, the surrounding vegetation, the material of the shutters and the ground covering were selected and formed into the index. The index may be used in other places in Europe and beyond, especially where no empirical data are available supporting decision-making and risk reduction of an emerging hazard amplified by climate change.
Topics: Algorithms; Climate Change; Conservation of Natural Resources; Fires; Housing; Wildfires
PubMed: 35430626
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10479-3 -
PloS One 2021Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions. Housing improvements such as screening of doors and windows may be effective in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions. Housing improvements such as screening of doors and windows may be effective in reducing disease transmission, but the impact remains unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To examine whether housing interventions were effective in reducing mosquito densities in homes and the impact on the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 16 online databases, including NIH PubMed, CINAHL Complete, LILACS, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized trials published from database inception to June 30, 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of any mosquito-borne diseases. Secondary outcomes encompassed entomological indicators of the disease transmission. I2 values were used to explore heterogeneity between studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess the primary and secondary outcomes, with sub-group analyses for type of interventions on home environment, study settings (rural, urban, or mixed), and overall house type (traditional or modern housing).
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 4,869 articles. After screening, 18 studies were included in the qualitative review, of which nine were included in the meta-analysis. The studies enrolled 7,200 households in Africa and South America, reporting on malaria or dengue only. The type of home environmental interventions included modification to ceilings and ribbons to close eaves, screening doors and windows with nets, insecticide-treated wall linings in homes, nettings over gables and eaves openings, mosquito trapping systems, metal-roofed houses with mosquito screening, gable windows and closed eaves, and prototype houses using southeast Asian designs. Pooled analysis depicted a lower risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the housing intervention group (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.95; P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis depicted housing intervention reduced the risk of malaria in all settings (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.39 to 1.01; P = 0.05). In urban environment, housing intervention was found to decrease the risk of both malaria and dengue infections (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.99; P = 0.05).Meta-analysis of pooled odds ratio showed a significant benefit of improved housing in reducing indoor vector densities of both Aedes and Anopheles (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.54; P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Housing intervention could reduce transmission of malaria and dengue among people living in the homes. Future research should evaluate the protective effect of specific house features and housing improvements associated with urban development.
Topics: Aedes; Animals; Housing; Humans; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Vector Borne Diseases
PubMed: 33417600
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244284 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2023This study examined variations in cigarette smoking status, home smoking and vaping rules, and attitudes toward smoking rules among U.S. adults. We analyzed data from...
This study examined variations in cigarette smoking status, home smoking and vaping rules, and attitudes toward smoking rules among U.S. adults. We analyzed data from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey Supplements ( = 40,296 adults) and calculated weighted prevalence estimates of adult cigarette smoking based on housing type. In 2019, multi-unit housing (MUH) residents who currently smoked were predominantly residents of privately rented housing (66.9%), followed by privately owned (17.6%) and public housing (15.5%). MUH residents who currently smoked had the highest proportions of allowing smoking (26.7%) or vaping (29.1%) anywhere inside their homes and were least likely to support rules allowing smoking inside all MUH apartments or living areas. In the adjusted models, MUH residents with a current smoking status were 92% less likely to have a complete smoking ban. More than one in four MUH residents with a current smoking status allowed all smoking inside the home and supported allowing smoking inside all MUH apartment or living areas, reinforcing how MUH residents may be at higher risk of experiencing secondhand smoke or aerosol exposure, or incursions within their places of residence. Our results can inform the development, implementation, and sustainment of strategies to reduce exposures from tobacco and nicotine products in all living environments.
Topics: United States; Housing; Smoke-Free Policy; Cigarette Smoking; Public Housing; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Prevalence; Attitude
PubMed: 37510588
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146356 -
Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare :... Sep 2021Young adults that experience homelessness (YAEH) are at heightened risk of unplanned pregnancy and contracting STIs, including HIV than their housed counterparts. It is...
BACKGROUND
Young adults that experience homelessness (YAEH) are at heightened risk of unplanned pregnancy and contracting STIs, including HIV than their housed counterparts. It is unclear how exiting homelessness into Supportive Housing (SH), the most prominent intervention in homelessness, may shape sexual risk-taking.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study is to explore associations of condom and contraception use with particular interest in the role of partner type (i.e., casual and/or serious) and housing status.
METHODS
This study includes 143 sexually active YAEH (ages 18-27) who reported engaging in vaginal sex during the past three months: 67 "unhoused" (i.e., street-based, couch-surfers, or staying in emergency shelter), and 76 "housed" from SH programs. Multiple logistic regression examined the relationship of housing status and partner type with condom and contraceptive use.
RESULTS
Being a parent was associated with higher odds of contraceptive use regardless of housing status, while partner type (i.e., serious or casual partner) was differently associated with condom use by housing status.
DISCUSSION
Despite documented differences in condom-using behaviors by housing status, findings revealed similar patterns in contraceptive use between the two groups, indicating a possible need for enhanced and targeted service planning for YAEH, particularly among those transitioning to and residing in SH, regarding contraceptive use and prevention.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Condoms; Contraceptive Agents; Female; Ill-Housed Persons; Housing; Humans; Pregnancy; Sexual Behavior; Young Adult
PubMed: 34454325
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2021.100654 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 2021To investigate the association between housing characteristics with objectively measured changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) during the...
PURPOSE
To investigate the association between housing characteristics with objectively measured changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults with hypertension.
METHODS
Thirty-five older adults with hypertension were included in this exploratory study. Accelerometer-based PA and SB measures were assessed before and during a period of social distancing policy imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Housing type, housing surface area and household size were tested as predictors of changes in PA and SB. A generalized linear mixed model was used for the analysis.
RESULTS
Housing type was associated with changes in PA and SB. Individuals residing in an apartment showed a greater decrease in light PA on weekdays (β= -65 min/day, p=0.035) and a trend for an increase in SB (β= 55 min/day, p=0.056) compared to those residing in a detached house. Individuals residing in a row house showed a greater decrease in moderate-vigorous PA (β= -10 min/day, p=0.037) and steps/day (β= -2064, p=0.010) compared to those residing in a detached house. Individuals residing in an apartment showed a greater decrease in light PA on the weekends (β= -83 min/day, p=0.015) and an increase in SB (β= 72 min/day, p=0.036) compared to those residing in a detached house. No association was found for housing surface area and household size.
CONCLUSIONS
Older adults with hypertension residing in an apartment or row house have greater unhealthy changes in movement behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.
Topics: Accelerometry; Aged; COVID-19; Housing; Humans; Hypertension; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33516977
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104354 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2021Few studies have examined the combined effects of affordability, housing conditions and neighborhood characteristics on the housing stability and health of low-income...
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.
Topics: Family Characteristics; Housing; Humans; Income; Poverty; Residence Characteristics
PubMed: 34769749
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111230 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2019Climate change increases the risks of heat stress, especially in urban areas where urban heat islands can develop. This literature review aims to describe how severe... (Review)
Review
Climate change increases the risks of heat stress, especially in urban areas where urban heat islands can develop. This literature review aims to describe how severe heat can occur and be identified in urban indoor environments, and what actions can be taken on the local scale. There is a connection between the outdoor and the indoor climate in buildings without air conditioning, but the pathways leading to the development of severe heat levels indoors are complex. These depend, for example, on the type of building, window placement, the residential area's thermal outdoor conditions, and the residents' influence and behavior. This review shows that only few studies have focused on the thermal environment indoors during heat waves, despite the fact that people commonly spend most of their time indoors and are likely to experience increased heat stress indoors in the future. Among reviewed studies, it was found that the indoor temperature can reach levels 50% higher in °C than the outdoor temperature, which highlights the importance of assessment and remediation of heat indoors. Further, most Heat-Health Warning Systems (HHWS) are based on the outdoor climate only, which can lead to a misleading interpretation of the health effects and associated solutions. In order to identify severe heat, six factors need to be taken into account, including air temperature, heat radiation, humidity, and air movement as well as the physical activity and the clothes worn by the individual. Heat stress can be identified using a heat index that includes these six factors. This paper presents some examples of practical and easy to use heat indices that are relevant for indoor environments as well as models that can be applied in indoor environments at the city level. However, existing indexes are developed for healthy workers and do not account for vulnerable groups, different uses, and daily variations. As a result, this paper highlights the need for the development of a heat index or the adjustment of current thresholds to apply specifically to indoor environments, its different uses, and vulnerable groups. There are several actions that can be taken to reduce heat indoors and thus improve the health and well-being of the population in urban areas. Examples of effective measures to reduce heat stress indoors include the use of shading devices such as blinds and vegetation as well as personal cooling techniques such as the use of fans and cooling vests. Additionally, the integration of innovative Phase Change Materials (PCM) into facades, roofs, floors, and windows can be a promising alternative once no negative health and environmental effects of PCM can be ensured.
Topics: Cities; Heat Stress Disorders; Housing; Humans; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Urban Population
PubMed: 30769945
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040560 -
The Gerontologist Nov 2020In the United States, a growing number of older adults struggle to find affordable housing that can adapt to their changing needs. Research suggests that access to...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
In the United States, a growing number of older adults struggle to find affordable housing that can adapt to their changing needs. Research suggests that access to affordable housing is a significant barrier to reducing unnecessary nursing home admissions. This is the first empirical study we know of to examine whether housing cost burden (HCB) is associated with moves to nursing homes among older adults.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Data include low- and moderate-income community-dwelling older adults (N = 3,403) from the nationally representative 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study. HCB (≥30% of income spent on mortgage/rent) and housing tenure (owner/renter) are combined to create a 4-category housing typology. Multinomial logistic regression models test (a) if renters with HCB are most likely (compared with other housing types) to move to a nursing home over 3 years (2015-2018) and (b) if housing type interacts with health and functioning to predict moves to a nursing home.
RESULTS
Across all models, renters with HCB had the greatest likelihood of moving to a nursing home. Moreover, self-rated health, physical capacity, and mental health were weaker predictors of nursing home moves for renters with HCB.
DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Results suggest that older renters with HCB are most likely to experience unnecessary nursing home placement. The growing population of older renters experiencing HCB may not only signal a housing crisis, but may also challenge national efforts to shift long-term care away from nursing homes and toward community-based alternatives.
Topics: Aged; Housing; Humans; Income; Independent Living; Long-Term Care; Nursing Homes; United States
PubMed: 32542373
DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa052 -
Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of... Aug 2021Housing is a paradigmatic example of a social determinant of health, as it influences and is influenced by structural determinants, such as social, macroeconomic, and...
Housing is a paradigmatic example of a social determinant of health, as it influences and is influenced by structural determinants, such as social, macroeconomic, and public policies, politics, education, income, and ethnicity/race, all intersecting to shaping the health and well-being of populations. It can therefore be argued that housing policy is critically linked to health policy. However, the extent to which this linkage is understood and addressed in public policies is limited and highly diverse across and within countries. This analysis seeks to describe the linkages between housing policies and health and well-being using examples from three countries at different levels of the wealth spectrum: Singapore, the UK, and Kenya.We conducted a comparative policy analysis across three country contexts (Singapore, the UK, and Kenya) to document the extent to which housing policies address health and well-being, highlighting commonalities and differences among them. To guide our analysis, we used the United Nations (UN) definition of adequate housing as it offers a broad framework to analyze the impact of housing on health and well-being.The anatomy of housing policies has a strong correlation to the provision of adequate housing across Singapore, the UK, and Kenya, especially for vulnerable groups. The paper demonstrates that contextual factors including population composition (i.e., aging versus youthful), political ideologies, legal frameworks (i.e., welfare versus market-based provision of housing), and presence (or absence) of adequate, quality, timely, reliable, robust data systems for decision-making, which are taken up by stakeholders/state, have strong implications of the type of housing policies developed and implemented, in turn directly and indirectly impacting the overall health and well-being of populations.This analysis demonstrates the value of viewing housing policies as public health policies that could significantly impact the health and well-being of populations, especially vulnerable groups. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of the Health in All Policies approach to facilitate integrated policy responses to address social determinants of health such as housing. This is more critical than ever, given the context of the global pandemic that has led to worsening overall health and well-being.
Topics: Housing; Humans; Kenya; Public Policy; Singapore; Social Determinants of Health; United Kingdom
PubMed: 34480327
DOI: 10.1007/s11524-021-00557-8 -
BMC Public Health Aug 2023We describe the rationale and study design for "TRUsted rEsidents and Housing Assistance to decrease Violence Exposure in New Haven (TRUE HAVEN)," a prospective type 1... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
Trusted residents and housing assistance to decrease violence exposure in New Haven (TRUE HAVEN): a strengths-based and community-driven stepped-wedge intervention to reduce gun violence.
BACKGROUND
We describe the rationale and study design for "TRUsted rEsidents and Housing Assistance to decrease Violence Exposure in New Haven (TRUE HAVEN)," a prospective type 1 hybrid effectiveness/implementation study of a multi-level intervention using a stepped wedge design. TRUE HAVEN aims to lower rates of community gun violence by fostering the stability, wealth, and well-being of individuals and families directly impacted by incarceration through the provision of stable housing and by breaking the cycle of trauma.
DESIGN
TRUE HAVEN is an ongoing, multi-level intervention with three primary components: financial education paired with housing support (individual level), trauma-informed counseling (neighborhood level), and policy changes to address structural racism (city/state level). Six neighborhoods with among the highest rates of gun violence in New Haven, Connecticut, will receive the individual and neighborhood level intervention components sequentially beginning at staggered 6-month steps. Residents of these neighborhoods will be eligible to participate in the housing stability and financial education component if they were recently incarcerated or are family members of currently incarcerated people; participants will receive intense financial education and follow-up for six months and be eligible for special down payment and rental assistance programs. In addition, trusted community members and organization leaders within each target neighborhood will participate in trauma-informed care training sessions to then be able to recognize when their peers are suffering from trauma symptoms, to support these affected peers, and to destigmatize accessing professional mental health services and connect them to these services when needed. Finally, a multi-stakeholder coalition will be convened to address policies that act as barriers to housing stability or accessing mental healthcare. Interventions will be delivered through existing partnerships with community-based organizations and networks. The primary outcome is neighborhood rate of incident gun violence. To inform future implementation and optimize the intervention package as the study progresses, we will use the Learn As You Go approach to optimize and assess the effectiveness of the intervention package on the primary study outcome.
DISCUSSION
Results from this protocol will yield novel evidence for whether and how addressing structural racism citywide leads to a reduction in gun violence.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05723614. Registration date: February 01, 2023. Please refer to https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05723614 for public and scientific inquiries.
Topics: Humans; Exposure to Violence; Gun Violence; Mental Health Services; Prospective Studies; Public Housing
PubMed: 37580653
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15997-x