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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Can housing improvements cure or prevent the onset of health conditions over time in deprived areas?

Authors: Angela Curl, Ade Kearns

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

There is a need for more evidence linking particular housing improvements to changes in specific health conditions. Research often looks at generic works over short periods.

Methods

We use a longitudinal sample (n = 1933) with a survey interval of 2–5 years. Multivariate logistic regression is used to calculate the odds ratios of developing or recovering from six health conditions according to receipt of four types of housing improvements.

Results

Receipt of fabric works was associated with higher likelihood of recovery from mental health problems and circulatory conditions. Receipt of central heating was also associated with higher likelihood of recovery form circulatory conditions. No evidence was found for the preventative effects of housing improvements.

Conclusions

Health gain from housing improvements appears most likely when targeted at those in greatest health need. The health impacts of area-wide, non-targeted housing improvements are less clear in our study.
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Metadata
Title
Can housing improvements cure or prevent the onset of health conditions over time in deprived areas?
Authors
Angela Curl
Ade Kearns
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2524-5

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