Energy insecurity and its ill health effects: A community perspective on the energy-health nexus in New York City

Abstract

This study examines the effects of a novel construct – energy insecurity – on adverse health in a community-based sample in New York City. Using a 2015 cross-sectional study of 2,494 households in Washington Heights, we described the socio-demographic characteristics of energy insecure households and examined the association between energy insecurity and health outcomes using logistic regression models. Twenty-seven percent of participants were energy insecure. Racial/ethnic minorities, households with children, long-term neighborhood residents, and those with poor housing conditions were more likely to be energy insecure; meanwhile, middle income households were not fully protect against energy insecurity. Energy insecurity was significantly associated with poor respiratory, mental health, and sleep outcomes; it was not associated with metabolic disorders, accidents, or neighborhood violence and cohesion. This study indicates that energy insecurity may explain some existing respiratory and mental health-related disparities in vulnerable populations. More research on energy insecurity is needed along with refinement of its measurement.