One social factor affecting our health is housing. With proper housing, your well-being can be improved and can keep you out of any potential danger.
Living in dangerous or inadequate housing circumstances, however, may be a factor in health issues including chronic diseases and contribute to health disparities.
A group of physicians and psychiatrists are available at nowmedical, who are experts in conducting housing medical evaluations.
They provide guidance on
- Homeless-vulnerability
- Suitability
- Intentionality
- Future housing requirements
- Section 202 applications
- Homeless vulnerability.
Key features that may disturb health due to housing
There are a few key factors that can always shape the effect of housing on the health of a person.
They are:
1. Quality and safety
The chance of developing health issues rises when the house is of lower quality.
There are 4 main types of potential health risks in such homes:
a. Biological – These may raise the risk of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. They include allergens from mould, rodents, and dust mites.
b. Chemical – A few examples of chemical pollutants are:
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Carbon monoxide
All these may lead to cancer, asthma, and many other respiratory conditions due to exposure to them.
c. Physical – Examples include dangers that could injure people and inadequate ventilation and temperature management.
These may be a factor in physical harm, respiratory conditions, asthma, and exposure to extreme cold or heat.
d. Social – Some of the social reasons can be access to housing that is:
- Safe
- Inexpensive
- High-quality
2. Neighbourhood
Those who are forced to live in certain neighbourhoods because of their low income may have access to few facilities, which may lead to poor health.
People living in such kind of neighbourhoods may have the following main issues:
- No access to suitable transportation
- No opportunity for employment
- No access to any high-quality educational institutions.
Besides that, people living in such areas are likely to face higher crime rates, as a result, they can never remain financially quite stable.
Numerous social organizations did studies, which revealed that members of minorities experience discrimination frequently in society.
As a result, these people are compelled to reside in places with inadequate living conditions.
3. Stability
Housing stability can be impacted by several factors, including quality, safety, affordability, and neighbourhood.
People run the danger of experiencing housing instability and possibly homelessness without sufficient housing and support.
Many people who use shelters come from secure households, and 83% of those experiencing homelessness in a 2018 report were not chronically homeless.
The chances are more that homeless people may develop the following conditions:
- Mental health issues
- Infectious infection
- Aggression
- Substance abuse.
When people live in a solid and secure house then they will have the benefits of the following:F
- Will be able to raise their level of independence
- Can enhance their quality of life
- Can gain access to the various resources they need.
Therefore, it is essential to invest in housing, particularly for such disadvantaged people, so that they also can access various public services, like health care and residential care, etc.
