Housing Characteristics Research Articles

The Oxford House Stability Questionnaire: An Effort to Classify Recovery Homes.

Recovery homes are located throughout the United States, with the self-governed Oxford Houses representing one of the largest networks with over 3000 homes. Although there is a growing literature on the characteristics and outcomes of these recovery homes, far less is known about differences among the homes. The current study used a set of characteristics that had been proposed by a leader within the Oxford House recovery movement, and a university research team operationalized them into what is now called the Oxford House Stability Questionnaire. This scale was administered to attendees at their annual convention. Results of a sample of 397 respondents who completed over 95% of the scale validated the notion that there are four different types of Oxford House recovery houses, including Survival, Stable, Successful, and Significant. This scale examined activities that might occur in these homes related to enhancing stability, and we were able to identify mechanisms related to general involvement, social support, and self-help. The findings suggest that these ecological and structural house characteristics are valuable ways to better understand these settings that are providing thousands of people with substance use disorders with distinctive environments for recovery.

Socio-demographic factors, housing characteristics, and clinical symptoms associated with falciparum malaria in two rapidly urbanizing areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana

BackgroundMalaria has been described as a disease of poverty, affecting the poorest populations typically living in rural areas. As hitherto rural areas transition into semi-urban environments, this study investigated the prevalence of falciparum malaria and associated risk factors in two rapidly urbanizing districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted at Agona and Mankranso Government Hospitals located within the Sekyere South and Ahafo Ano Southwest districts respectively, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Five µL of venous blood was obtained from suspected malaria patients and tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Data on socio-demographic factors, clinical symptoms, and housing characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors associated with malaria.ResultsA total of 1739 participants were enrolled in the study between January and June 2021 with median age of 22 years (IQR = 6–36). Overall malaria prevalence was 24.8%. Compared to > 30-year-olds, children between 0 and 5 years (aOR = 3.36) and those aged between 6 and 14 (aOR = 6.71) were three and six times more likely to test positive for malaria, respectively. Similarly, farming (aOR = 1.74), compared to other occupations, living close to stagnant water (aOR = 1.34), experiencing chills (aOR = 1.5), and vomiting (aOR = 1.93) were associated with increased odds of malaria infection. Having roofing ceiling (aOR = 0.66) and screened doors (aOR = 0.75) were associated with decreased risk of malaria. However, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), using mosquito coils/repellents, and indoor residual spraying (IRS) were not statistically significantly associated with infection.ConclusionChildren between 0 and 5 years and those aged between 6 and 14 years continue to shoulder the highest burden of malaria. Efforts to improve housing characteristics such as installation of roofing ceiling, screening doors, and clearing potential mosquito breeding sites should be encouraged in these rapidly urbanizing areas.

What is the Relationship Between Older People's Housing Characteristics and Their Care Needs?

ABSTRACT Housing conditions and quality are well-established structural or social determinants of health. Poor quality housing also has the potential to affect care needs, but there is much less research on the topic, particularly on nonspecialist housing. Based on analysis of in-depth interviews with 44 people aged 65 and older living in England, their unpaid carers (N = 22), or as a carer-care recipient dyad (N = 6), (total N = 72), this study sought to explore the perceived relationship between people’s housing conditions and characteristics and their care needs. Findings indicate three key themes within this relationship: condition of home (cold and damp; state of repair; cleanliness and clutter); space and design (space, access); and legal relationship with the home (ability to carry out remedial work; precarity). There was variation in how and whether housing affected care needs by housing tenure, financial resources, and the type and level of care need. Care needs can increase requirement for warmer, less damp homes and be a barrier to improving homes. In turn, housing has a role to play in preventing the occurrence or worsening of care needs. Improving housing through policy and practice actions could reduce care needs and improve the lives of older people now and in the future.

Determinants of socioemotional and behavioral well-being among First Nations children living off-reserve in Canada: A cross-sectional study.

Few studies have focused on off-reserve Indigenous children and families. This nationally representative, cross-sectional study (data collected from 2006 to 2007) examined Indigenous- and non-Indigenous-specific determinants associated with positive socioemotional and behavioral well-being among First Nations children living off-reserve in Canada. The parents or other caregivers of 2990 two-to-five-year-old children (M = 3.65; 50.6% male) reported on their children's socioemotional and behavioral well-being and a range of child, parent, and housing characteristics. Being taught an Indigenous culture, greater community cohesion, caregiver nurturance, good parental/other caregiver health, and fewer household members were associated with better socioemotional and behavioral well-being. These results highlight the importance of leveraging Indigenous-specific determinants and acknowledging non-Indigenous-specific factors, to promote the well-being of First Nations children living off-reserve.

Unveiling housing preferences amidst flood risks: an empirical study in an emerging market

Purpose This study investigates the interplay between flood risk, financial constraints and buyer behavior in the housing market. It aims to discern how flood experience influences housing choices, particularly among financially constrained buyers. Design/methodology/approach Using hedonic pricing models and probit analysis, this research examines the implicit prices of house characteristics and evaluates the determinants of housing choices, considering factors such as flood risk, financial status and past flood experience. Findings The study underscores that lower house prices incentivize buyers to opt for homes in flood-prone areas, thereby increasing their vulnerability to flood risks. Consequently, financial constraints exacerbate this situation, compelling low-income buyers to accept higher flood risks. However, flood experience fosters risk awareness among buyers, encouraging them to steer clear of flood-prone areas, albeit with lesser efficacy among financially constrained individuals. Originality/value This research contributes to the understanding of how flood risk and financial limitations shape housing decisions. It highlights the role of flood experience in influencing buyer behavior and emphasizes the need for targeted policies to mitigate flood-related risks in the housing market, particularly among economically vulnerable populations.

Indoor and ambient influences on PM2.5 exposure and well-being for a rail impacted community and implications for personal protections

Abstract Background
Higher air pollution concentrations can be observed near rail networks, local and highway automobile corridors, and shipyards. Communities adjacent to such sources are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from these stationary and mobile sources. One such community is West San Bernardino in California, where households are feet away from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe intermodal facility and are impacted by activities that are estimated to continuously emit air pollutants due to 24/7 operation.
Objective
This study aimed to (1) quantify the impact of personal mobility and housing characteristics on daily PM2.5 exposures and well-being for West San Bernardino community members, and (2) develop individualized resilience plans for community collaborators to support future PM2.5 exposure reduction. 
Methods
Personal PM2.5 exposures were measured for community collaborators for seven consecutive days during three deployment periods: October 2021, January 2022, and March 2022. Indoor and ambient PM2.5 levels were also continuously measured for five households over six months using PurpleAir Classic monitors. Demographic and well-being data were collected upon recruitment and after each week of engagement, respectively. 
Results
Personal exposures in home microenvironments were highest near the railyard and lower farthest away from the railyard. Home exposures were 40% higher on average compared to non-home microenvironments. Household PM2.5 had a higher-than-expected average infiltration factor of 0.55, and indoor 98th percentiles across the households far exceeded a healthy level at an average of 165 μg/m3. Resilience plans featured summaries of personal data and recommendations for mitigating exposures. 
Significance
Results suggest that surrounding land use and residential building characteristics compound to worsen air pollution exposures beyond what is expected for exposures in non-industrialized areas. Findings prompt a call for stronger regulation, not only for emissions, but also for indoor air quality and zoning standards that specifically protect disproportionately impacted communities.

A Pathological Diagnostic Method for Traditional Brick-Masonry Dwellings: A Case Study in Guangfu Ancient City

Many regions of the world have traditional dwellings, which not only represent the main form of residential architecture, but also carry the local vernacular culture, display the region’s unique architectural style, materials and technology, and have important historical and cultural value. Due to environmental factors, traditional dwellings often suffer from architectural damage that threatens the stability of their structure and affects their esthetics value, resulting in a significant number of abandoned and demolished houses. In order to scientifically and effectively solve the damage problems of traditional dwellings, based on the theory of architectural pathology, the following diagnostic method for damage manifestation and the characteristics of traditional houses is proposed: “Architectural Pathology Appraisal–Pathological Environment Analysis–Mechanical Properties Testings”. The traditional dwellings in the ancient city of Guangfu were used as a case study for the practical application of the methodology for analyzing the main types and causes of the damage of the dwellings by examining the damage information of the dwellings, collecting the environmental data of the damaged walls, and testing the mechanical properties of the damaged walls. The results show that the main damage type in the ancient city dwellings of Guangfu is dampness damage, with corrosion deterioration, wall alkali flooding, and the moisture infiltration phenomenon as the manifested symptoms, and the damage is mainly concentrated in the lower part of the wall. In addition, the humidity and moisture content in the lower part of the wall is higher than that in the upper part of the wall, and the compressive strength of the damaged part of the wall is lower than that of the undamaged part. The humid environment of the old town contributed significantly to the destruction of the dwellings, and water intrusion led to a reduction in the strength of the dwellings’ bricks. Through the diagnostic method of building pathology, the causes of Guangfu dwellings’ damage are identified, and scientific and targeted damage intervention suggestions are made. This is expected to provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of building pathology in the ancient city of Guangfu and serve as a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology in traditional dwellings in other areas.

Assessing demographic vulnerability and weather impacts on utility disconnections in California.

When a household is disconnected from their electric utility service the consequences can be severe, including accumulation of debt, the inability to maintain comfortable temperatures, and in the most extreme cases, homelessness or mortality. While the survey-based literature on utility disconnections has yielded important findings about which households are most likely to experience a utility shutoff, only a few existing studies have used data from utility companies themselves. In this analysis, we utilize zip-code level data from four of California's largest utility providers to measure sociodemographic disparities in disconnections, in addition to the impact of adverse weather. We find that zip codes with a higher share of vulnerable households, especially Black and Hispanic households and households with young children, face a higher number and rate of utility disconnections, even after controlling for an extensive set of factors that are commonly thought to explain higher rates of energy insecurity, including income, housing characteristics, and energy costs. Our analysis also suggests that sociodemographic and weather disparities in disconnections differ between utility types. We conclude by discussing the implications of the findings for research and policy, including the impact of regulation, utility provider practices, and more extreme weather driven by climate change.

Effect of Local Fire Risks and Preventive Measures on the Installation of Residential Firefighting Systems in Detached House

This study analyzes the major factors affecting the installation of residential firefighting systems in detached houses. In particular, it investigates the dependence of local fire risk and local government prevention efforts, along with housing and household characteristics, on the type of installation. This study used data from the 2020 Population and Housing Census, the first nationwide survey on residential firefighter system installation, and employed multinomial logistic regression analysis. The analysis results revealed that less than half of households had installed all firefighting systems, where the installation rate differed significantly by region. Housing and household characteristics also influenced the installation type. Local fire risk as well as the local government’s fire prevention policies positively affect the installation of residential firefighting systems.

Race, profit, and algorithms: Neighborhood-level analysis of iBuyers’ profit margin

ABSTRACT iBuyers are firms that use automated valuation models (AVMs), streamline home buying processes, and provide all-cash offers to purchase homes. Although the previous literature has explored the roles and limitations of iBuyers in the housing market, empirical research on the racial implications of these algorithmic home buying processes remains understudied. Using a spatial lag model, this study shows the spatial clustering of iBuyer profit margins, that iBuyers gain more profits when they resell to individuals than institutions, and that some iBuyers have a statistically significant correlation between their profit margins and the proportion of marginalized racial groups within a census tract, while controlling for individual housing characteristics, neighborhood housing quality and demand, and neighborhood amenities and socioeconomic factors. These findings suggest that the more adeptly iBuyers can forecast housing values, the greater the potential to maximize profits from homeowners in communities of color. Consequently, this research contributes to the understanding of how technological mechanisms operate within a purportedly race-neutral framework and advocates for the development and deployment of algorithmic systems guided by the principles of antisubordination, rather than relying solely on notions of “fairness” and anticlassification.

Environmental and architectural aspects of wooden construction: a comparative analysis of selected issues of single-family housing in Poland and Portugal n Poland and Portugal

In the second half of the 20th century, it seemed that wooden architecture would be replaced by other, increasingly used technologies. Wood was primarily used in hybrid systems, rather than as the dominant construction and finishing material. However, the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries reversed this trend. There is now a growing interest in wooden structures and finishes. Wood is becoming a “fashionable” material. This shift is influenced by new technologies that provide innovative construction possibilities, as well as by new methods of protecting wood. Wood is a renewable, ecological material with a small built-in carbon footprint, making it easy to recycle and suitable for a circular economy. The aim of the study is to compare the features of wooden single-family houses in Poland and Portugal. The methods necessary for this purpose were employed: critical analysis, observation without intervention and case studies to compare contemporary architectural trends. The results of research on current trends in shaping wooden single-family architecture allowed for drawing conclusions regarding formal, functional and pro-environmental solutions.

The Internal Socio-Economic Polarization of Urban Neighborhoods: The Case of the Municipality of Nice

In continuity with the research on social segregation and the phenomenon of urban gentrification, this article examines the cohabitation patterns of populations with diametrically opposed incomes within the same neighborhood, typically observed in the city center. This phenomenon is defined here as internal socio-economic polarization. It is measured through the combination of two original indexes (poverty and wealth indexes) constructed based on income deciles per consumption unit for the year of 2017. The analysis focuses on the municipality of Nice, characterized by a low demographic dynamic, a relative concentration of seniors, and a strong tourist attractiveness, particularly in the highly polarized neighborhoods that occupy almost the entire city center. This study is complemented by a principal component analysis summarizing the characteristics of the population and housing stock in the neighborhoods of Nice. The main objective of this research is to identify and locate polarized neighborhoods within the urban context of Nice, to analyze the distinctive traits of their population and housing stock, and, finally, to highlight potential trends in the population’s socio-economic status. Moreover, the economic trajectories of polarized neighborhoods, in connection with their population and housing characteristics (such as the secondary use of a portion of the housing stock, often low-quality old buildings, social housing, and the overrepresentation of retirees), help explain the forms of socio-economic polarization observed in these neighborhoods (such as the indications of gentrification, unfinished gentrification, and sustainable cohabitation).

Measuring health inequities due to housing characteristics

Measuring health inequities due to housing characteristics

Green spaces and flood vulnerability in urbanising regions: a case study in the Philadelphia metropolitan area

ABSTRACT Flooding continues to be one of the most significant natural hazards, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations in urbanising regions. This study aims to examine the relationship between green space density and flood vulnerability in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area by integrating social and geophysical data. The research focuses on identifying areas where high flood vulnerability coincides with low green space availability, as these are critical regions for targeted intervention. Using social vulnerability indicators such as income, age, and housing characteristics, combined with geophysical factors like soil permeability and drainage density, the study assesses flood vulnerability across census block groups. Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) and discriminant analysis were employed to detect spatial clusters with elevated flood risks and low green space density. Results reveal that these high-risk clusters are concentrated in densely urbanised areas such as Norristown, where lower-income and elderly populations are overrepresented. These findings reinforce broader environmental justice concerns, as socially vulnerable communities face compounded risks from both inadequate flood protection and limited access to green spaces. The study emphasises the need for integrated flood management, combining green infrastructure with structural interventions, to guide urban planners and policymakers in reducing flood risks and promoting environmental equity.

Variables associated with higher community integration among permanent supportive housing residents

ABSTRACT Few studies have used a framework for exploring a broad range of resident characteristics, housing, and service use features that might increase community integration among permanent supportive housing (PSH) residents who have lived in scattered-site or single-site PSH for 6 months to 5+ years. This study is original in identifying predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with higher community integration among PSH residents. PSH residents from Quebec (Canada) were recruited through 25 housing organizations between January 2020 and April 2022. Structured interviews using numerous standardized scales were conducted, each lasting about 90 minutes. Based on the Gelberg-Andersen Behavioral Model, independent variables, measured mostly within 12 months of the interview, were categorized into predisposing, need, and enabling factors. Multivariate linear regression analysis was produced on community integration. Those experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress and having more unmet needs had lower community integration scores. Conversely, residents in single-site PSH located in neighborhoods with good physical conditions and high collective effectiveness, and those who received more outpatient services showed better community integration. Enhancing intergovernmental collaboration to develop high-quality PSH in well-maintained neighborhoods, focusing on socialization and community participation, especially for scattered-site PSH residents, may contribute to improved community integration.

Survey on acoustic preferences in Korean music practice spaces

.In 2021, the acoustic quality criteria for music practice rooms was standardized as ISO 23591. This standard will be very useful in constructing and utilizing music education facilities to train excellent music players. "Gugak," Korea's traditional music, is taught and related performers are trained at major national educational institutions. Recently, a variety of Korean music content has been introduced internationally. The Korean traditional music practice room is used similarly to a general music practice room. However, the acoustic characteristics of traditional houses where Korean traditional music is played do not have a long reverberation time and are flat across frequency bands, so we investigated what acoustic characteristics actual Korean traditional music players prefer as a practice space. The room acoustic characteristics of Korean music practice spaces at Seoul National University were measured, and a preference survey was conducted on professional performers who actually use the practice spaces. In the future, we plan to investigate preferences for Korean traditional music practice spaces using real-time sound audibility technology.

Green infrastructure and well-being nexus within slums: a Lagos case

ABSTRACT Green infrastructure includes network of natural systems and environmental features that deliver ecosystem services which improves human well-being. This article reports a study dealing with health-related impacts of green infrastructure within a low-income informal urban setting. The study utilized a quantitative approach through survey data collection from residents in Ajegunle-Ikorodu community in Lagos, Nigeria. The residents’ survey (sample size = 455) was conducted to understand socio-economic and housing characteristics of the residents; green features available; pattern of Park Use. It elicited self-reported health information on physiological well-being and mental health. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used for mental health assessment. Inferential and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the data collected. This study shows a generally low presence of Green Infrastructure. Regression analysis (p = 0.033) affirms the positive link between green spaces and mental health. Contrary to popular opinion, the study revealed no correlation between some aspects of self-reported health and green features. The findings highlight the need to develop and maintain green spaces to optimize health benefits. By exploring the connections between greening and well-being in slums, the study contributes to knowledge on human health-nature linkages among low-income urban residents in context of developing countries.

PENGARUH KARAKTERISTIK UNIT HUNIAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN BERMUKIM PENGHUNI PERUMAHAN

The rapid population growth and urbanization in major cities across various developing countries have increased the demand for urban infrastructure, including housing. As projected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by the year 2030, more than 60% of the population is expected to reside in urban areas. Meeting housing needs is a fundamental requirement for humans that evolves according to different life stages. This study aims to examine the effect of housing characteristics on residential satisfaction in simple housing in the city of Kendari. The research type is explanatory, with the research population consisting of type 36 houses. The sample size is set at 195 units, and data collection was carried out using questionnaires. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS version 24 to obtain causal relationships between the variables developed in this study. The results indicate that the effect of housing unit characteristics on residential satisfaction has a path coefficient of 0.01 with a probability level of 0.968. These findings suggest a positive effect of housing unit characteristics; however, this effect is not significant in relation to the level of residential satisfaction among occupants of simple housing.

Housing and utility complex in the system of sociocultural institutionality

The article examines the issue of the housing and utility services as a sociocultural institution. It has been noted that the larger the urban settlement, the more difficult it is to organize orderly interactions necessary for the sustainability of the urban structure, convenience for residents, safety, expressiveness of the cultural landscape, etc. Housing and utility services perform an important function of forming a positive image of a city, making it competitive in attractiveness in comparison with others cities. The research problem lies in the fact that the housing and utility services are generally considered from the standpoint of economics and management, despite the fact that the activities of this complex have a pronounced socio-cultural orientation. This allows us to talk about the relevance of the study of housing and utility services as a sociocultural institution in order to identify factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the activities of public utility organizations, or lead to institutional dysfunctions. The main research method chosen is structural and functional analysis, which allows us to consider housing and communal services from the point of view of the implementation of sociocultural functions and the search for the causes of possible dysfunctions. Consistently the institutional features of housing and utility complex are revealed. In conclusion, the main reasons for possible institutional dysfunctions of the object under consideration have been determined: violations of functionality are possible, firstly, as a result of general crisis conditions in the economy and politics; secondly, as a result of natural disasters; thirdly, as a result of a lack of understanding of the importance and complexity of housing and communal services by state and municipal authorities. Also, the gap in this area may be affected by shortcomings in the organizational culture of specific enterprises in the public utilities sector.

Exploring relationships between smoke exposure, housing characteristics, and preterm birth in California

Pregnant people are vulnerable to air pollution exposure, including risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Understanding the infiltration of outdoor wildfire smoke into a residential space is critical for the accurate assessment of wildfire smoke exposure and associated health effects in pregnant people. Relying on ambient measurements of wildfire smoke alone can result in exposure misclassification. In this study, we examine the role of physical housing characteristics in the relationship between smoke exposure and preterm birth. In particular, we examine the effect of home size, year of construction, cooling type, and renovation status, as effect modifiers in the relationship between smoke exposure during pregnancy and preterm birth from 2007 to 2015 in California. To do this, we combined data on home characteristics from the California Tax Assessor, birth outcomes from the California birth records database, and the number of smoke days for each pregnancy from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Hazard Mapping System (HMS). We estimated the association between smoke day exposures and odds of preterm birth using logistic regression models and stratified by air basin and housing characteristics. Our findings reveal that cooling type and renovation status are key factors modifying the smoke exposure-preterm birth relationship. Notably, we found elevated associations for people living in unrenovated homes, those using evaporative cooling systems, and those using central air conditioning units. While we observed elevated odds of preterm birth associated with increasing smoke day exposure for residents of large and new homes, this effect does not significantly differ across home size and age quartiles. This study highlights the need to further examine the relative roles of housing characteristics as well as factors not measured here including behavioral factors, time spent outdoors, window use, and occupational exposures in driving adverse birth outcomes related to wildfire smoke exposure.