Residential Areas Research Articles

Tunnel-induced land subsidence assessment in a densely populated residential area using Sentinel-1 PS-InSAR

Land subsidence detection in residential areas based on advanced remotely sensed data is an effective technique to mitigate catastrophic disasters in time. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in spaceborne platforms is a highly sophisticated technique to estimate ground surface subsidence with millimeter accuracy for wide-area observation. SAR is beneficial for large-scale social infrastructure project planning and monitoring in densely populated residential areas. In this study, we applied a permanent scatterer (PS) interferometric SAR (PS-InSAR)-based technique for monitoring land subsidence in a tunnel construction site in the Greater Tokyo Area to investigate tunnel-induced ground surface subsidence. Sentinel-1 repeat-pass SAR data in ascending and descending orbital directions were used for continuous observation. Consecutively estimated interferograms based on repeat-pass SAR data were generated to monitor and detect tunnel-induced land subsidence as well as confirm long-term stability along the tunnel excavation path. A bidirectional displacement of the ground area parallel to the earth’s surface in the east–west direction and perpendicular to the earth’s surface in the up–down direction was estimated at a high-phase consistency location using a PS interferometric stacking technique. The resultant data were then analyzed to detect anomalies in the ground area in the spatiotemporal domains by performing displacement time-series analysis. An area near Higashi-Tsutsujigaoka’s local administrative region in the metropolitan center of Tokyo was observed to have 15-mm subsidence and 30-mm displacement in the east–west direction during August–October 2020. The conventional level survey results in the same ground area showed 15–20-mm subsidence above the tunnel excavation path. The findings of this study offer insights into understanding land subsidence in residential environments.

PERENCANAAN RUMAH TAHFIDZPRENEUR DI DESA CIBADAK, CARIU, BOGOR, JAWA BARAT, INDONESIA

Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur in Cibadak Village, Cariu, Bogor, West Java requires assistance in the planning process. This community service is motivated by the society's intention to build a tahfidz facility on land of approximately 5,200 m2 in Cibadak Village, Cariu, Bogor. The land is located in a residential area that is ideal for building a Tahfidz House. Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur will be built with guesthouse dormitory facilities, owner's house, farm, prayer room, multipurpose room, library, informal class, cooperative, and management office. The design recommendation is to divide these spaces into public, semi-public, private, and service areas. The main access is on the main road side, the public area is adjacent to this side. The private area is on the back side to ensure privacy. The service area is also on the back side. The middle part is filled with a semi-public area. The distant water source creates obstacles to water distribution and it is recommended to install a centrifugal pump so that water distribution is smooth. The results of physical and chemical tests on the water on the Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur land show that the water meets household standards but it is necessary to install a filter in the water reservoir so that the water is free of bacteria. Keywords: Rumah Tahfidzpreneur Annur, site concept, water distribution, clean water filter

Cluster Dimensions of the Space of a New Residential District of Ukrainian ‘Post-Socialist’ City

The article presents research material devoted to new dimensions of the spatial organization of residential areas of Ukrainian “post-socialist” city. He is currently faced with the challenges of military actions aimed at destroying the urban environment of Ukrainian cities. Residential areas of the micro-district type of the “post-socialist” city are mostly built on the basis of the postulates of functionalism. In the theory and practice of urban planning, they did not foresee the vulnerability of objects of necessary and social infrastructure. The criteria of centrality, as focus of concentration of functions of the spatial organization of the city, are currently being transformed into criteria of dispersion. Functional zoning acquires the multiplicative nature of multidimensional functional zoning. Fractal urbanism methodology assumes local freedom and global cohesion of individual urban planning elements. New exponential organizational structures with innovative digital technologies create “breakthrough” models of development. One of which is the urban planning cluster. The new residential area “Levada-2” in the city of Poltava (Ukraine) is presented, which demonstrates the latest approaches in the cluster organization of living space.

A Bronze Age town in the Khaybar walled oasis: Debating early urbanization in Northwestern Arabia.

Recent exploration of the Khaybar oasis by the Khaybar Longue Durée Archaeological Project (AFALULA-RCU-CNRS) has led to the discovery of an exceptional Bronze Age fortified site called al-Natah. For the first time in Northwestern Arabia, the characteristics of a third/second-millennium-BCE settlement can be assessed over a large area. Preliminary archaeological survey and soundings have revealed a fortified 2.6-hectares town built around 2400-2000 BCE which lasted until at least 1500 BCE and possibly 1300 BCE-but with possible interruptions-, functionally subdivided into a residential area, a probable decision-making zone and a necropolis. The nucleated dwellings were constructed following a standard plan and were connected by small streets. By comparison with neighboring oasis centers, we suggest that Northwestern Arabia during the Bronze Age-largely dominated by pastoral nomadic groups and already integrated into long-distance trade networks-was dotted with interconnected monumental walled oases centered around small fortified towns. And by comparison with the contemporary situation in the Southern Levant, we also envisage that the archaeological record bears witness to a 'low urbanization' (or 'slow urbanism'), indigenous to North Arabia, evidencing weak but increasing social complexity through the Early and Middle Bronze Ages.

Uterine rupture: Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Maternal-Fetal Prognosis at the Bougouni Reference Health Center

Introduction: the objective of this study was to study the epidemiological aspects, risk factors and maternal-fetal prognosis of uterine rupture in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Unit of the CSRéf of Bougouni Methodology: We carried out a case-control study from January 1 to December 31, 2019 in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Unit of the Bougouni Reference Health Center. All patients treated in the uterine rupture department were included and two controls (delivery without rupture) for one case (uterine rupture). The data were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 21 software. The significance threshold has been set at 5%. The association between 2 qualitative variables was studied by the Chi². Results: At the end of our study, we had recorded 43 cases of uterine rupture out of a total of 1161 deliveries, i.e. a frequency of 3.7%. The average age of the cases: 30.77 ± 2 years with extremes of 18 and 40 years compared to 26.01 ± 1 years for controls with extremes of 14 and 42 years. Ninety-five percent of our patients for the cases were out of school compared to 86% for the controls, 97% were housewives compared to 82% for the controls. Risk factors were dominated: caesarean section scar (p=0.038); OR=2.99, non-follow-up of pregnancy (p=0.002) and residence in a rural area (p=0.000) and intergenerational interval ≤ 2 years (Chi-square = 9.1735; p = 0.002). The maternal-fetal prognosis is reserved with 1 case of maternal death (2.3%) and 28 cases of perinatal death (65.1%). Keywords: Uterine rupture, Risk factors, maternal-fetal prognosis, case-control study.

Factors of unmet dental care needs due to the time, economic, and physical constraints among older people

Objectives: We aim to identify factors associated with unmet dental care needs in older adults and explore the impact of time, economic and physical constraints on each. Methods: The analysis was based on the 2023 Community Health Survey. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression for 65,952 people aged 65 years and older. Results: First, we looked whether subjects experienced unmet dental care needs and found that 8.4% did. Second, according to the type of unmet dental care needs, 54.1% of the time, economic, and physical constraints were economic constraints. Analyzing each of the time, economic, and physical constraints, we found that time constraints were associated with younger age. For economic constraints, lower education level and health security type of recipients in medical aid program were more likely to experience unmet dental care needs. In terms of physical constraints, those living in rural areas were more than three times more likely to experience unmet dental care needs than those living in urban areas. Conclusions: The results showed that time constraints were related to age, economic constraints were related to household income level, and physical constraints were related to residential area.

Traditional Architecture Settings in Housing and Residential Area Governance Based on Local Wisdom in Bali Province

This research uses normative research methods with a statutory approach, historical approach and conceptual approach. The results of this study are The urgency of traditional architectural arrangements in the governance of residential housing based on local wisdom in Bali Province is 1) realizing legal certainty in the implementation of residential housing in Bali Province; 2) realizing housing and residential areas in Bali Province with character; and 3) preserving local wisdom in Bali. Strategies for regulating traditional architecture in the governance of residential housing based on local wisdom in the province of Bali at the present time, including: 1) realizing the change in the status of Bali Province as a special region; 2) adjusting regulations in several fields related to residential housing, spatial planning, land, licensing and building architecture at the central and regional levels of the province of Bali; and 3) supervise the implementation of traditional architectural arrangements in the governance of housing and residential areas based on local wisdom in Bali Province.

Evaluation of stormwater runoff pollutant distributions combined with land-use information in a regional karst aquifer in Texas, USA.

Fast urbanization can result in significant stormwater runoff pollution due to changes in land use. A 3-year study on the distribution and temporal variations of urban water pollutants in stormwater runoff was conducted, with a specific focus on the influence of land-use patterns in the recharge zone of a regional karst aquifer in Texas (Edwards Aquifer). The presence and concentration of various water pollutants including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate), total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease (O&G), and eight heavy metals (Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd) were measured in stormwater samples collected from three bioswales. Results show that average TSS in site S1 (598.87mg/L) and S2 (628.69mg/L), COD in site S1 (103.97mg/L), phosphate in sites S1 (1.44mg/L) and S3 (0.65mg/L), and O&G (ranging from 50.63 to 84.32mg/L) in all three sites surpassed the national average (NSQD). While residential areas were identified as the main sources of nutrients, roads and parking lots were associated with heavy metals. Temporal variations indicated the effect of antecedent dry days on the concentrations of TSS and phosphate. Growing seasons as well as pet feces were associated with elevated nitrate concentrations in residential areas. Organic carbon was found overall higher during warmer months, while heavy metals during cooler months. The study also identified specific land-use practices that can be enhanced to mitigate stormwater pollution, such as the implementation of permeable pavements, rain gardens, and stricter waste disposal regulations. The results of this study offer valuable insights for enhancing stormwater management strategies to better mitigate stormwater pollution in urban regions.

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL DISCOMFORT AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE IN KATSINA URBAN, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Information on adaptation strategies to human physiological discomfort is very important for individuals, groups of people, planners, and policymakers in the world's tropical regions where thermal stress poses a significant threat to life, especially among elderly people. Based on this, the aim of the study, therefore, is to assess adaptation strategies to human physiological discomfort among elderly people due to temperature and humidity extremes in residential areas and workplaces during the hot and cold seasons in Katsina. A total of 100 copies of a questionnaire were administered to the elderly people to obtain information on their adaptation strategies. A stratified random sampling method was used to select the respondents in the study area. Descriptive statistics were then used to describe their perception of adaptation strategies to human physiological discomfort. Results obtained revealed that in the hot season, the majority of the respondents at residence areas and working places perceived outdoor and indoor with fans "respectively" as their best-adapting strategies to human physiological discomfort due to temperature and humidity extremes. However, in the cold season, the study revealed that the majority of the respondents in residence areas and workplaces perceived thick dress as their best-adapting strategy for human physiological discomfort due to temperature and humidity extremes. Adapting strategies to human physiological discomfort depends primarily not only on environmental conditions but relaxing in natural environments and using customized clothing materials. People are encouraged to continue planting trees in and around their homes, working workplaces and to adequately prepare to adapt to extreme hot and cold seasons.

Design and Implementation of a Community Waimai Delivery Assistant System Based on Path Optimization Algorithm

With the rapid development of the food delivery industry, how to efficiently complete delivery tasks in complex community environments has become an important challenge for food delivery platforms and delivery personnel. This project focuses on the problem of planning delivery routes for b0oth inside and outside residential areas, and designs and implements a delivery assistant system based on the Internet of Things and path optimization algorithms. The system utilizes the DFRobot IoT platform to achieve real-time communication between Python programs and mobile apps. Through various path optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm, the system automatically generates the optimal delivery path, significantly improving delivery efficiency and reducing delivery costs. The experimental results show that the system has good operability and reliability in practical applications, providing an effective solution for improving the intelligence level of food delivery

Early Childhood Education and Care Services, and Parents’ Work–Life Balance

Parents’ work–life balance represents a major challenge, especially for those who have young children. The present article aims to identify the perceptions of parents relating to the purpose of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, care responsibilities, and factors that affect the balance between caring responsibilities for children and the professional career of parents. Using a database with 825 parents, who have children aged between 0 and 6 years enrolled in the ECEC system (nurseries, kindergartens), we performed a descriptive statistical analysis and a logistic regression to identify factors that affect the balance between caring responsibilities and career. The results indicate an appreciation of the usefulness of ECEC services (nurseries/kindergartens) by parents and underline the importance of parents’ involvement in the activities of ECEC services. Results also show that three factors affect the balance between caring responsibilities for children and professional career as follows: the residence area, the educational level, and the proximity to ECEC services. The need to develop ECEC services in Romania is correlated with the work–family balance field. Policymakers should focus more on structural changes and the development of early childhood education and care services, as well as the expansion of such services in both rural and urban areas.

Radiation adaptive response for constant dose-rate irradiation in high background radiation areas

AbstractThe presented paper describes the problem of human health in regions with high level of natural ionizing radiation in various places in the world. The radiation adaptive response biophysical model was presented and calibrated for the special case of constant dose-rate irradiation. The calibration was performed for the data of residents of several high background radiation areas, like Ramsar in Iran, Kerala in India or Yangjiang in China. Studied end-points were: chromosomal aberrations, cancer incidence and cancer mortality. For the case of aberrations, among collected publications about 45% have shown the existence of adaptive response. Average reduction of chromosomal aberrations was ∼ 10%, while for the case of cancer incidence it was ∼ 15% and ∼ 17% for cancer mortality (each taking into account only results showing adaptive response). Results of the other 55% of data regarding chromosomal aberrations have been tested with the LNT (linear no-threshold) hypothesis, but results were inconsistent with the linear model. The conditions for adaptive response occurrence are still unknown, but it is postulated to correlate with the distribution of individual radiosensitivity among members of surveyed populations.

Construction 5.0 and Sustainable Neuro-Responsive Habitats: Integrating the Brain–Computer Interface and Building Information Modeling in Smart Residential Spaces

This study takes a unique approach by investigating the integration of Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) within residential architecture. It explores their combined potential to foster neuro-responsive, sustainable environments within the framework of Construction 5.0. The methodological approach involves real-time BCI data and subjective evaluations of occupants’ experiences to elucidate cognitive and emotional states. These data inform BIM-driven alterations that facilitate adaptable, customized, and sustainability-oriented architectural solutions. The results highlight the ability of BCI–BIM integration to create dynamic, occupant-responsive environments that enhance well-being, promote energy efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. The primary contribution of this work is the demonstration of the viability of neuro-responsive architecture, wherein cognitive input from Brain–Computer Interfaces enables real-time modifications to architectural designs. This technique enhances built environments’ flexibility and user-centered quality by integrating occupant preferences and mental states into the design process. Furthermore, integrating BCI and BIM technologies has significant implications for advancing sustainability and facilitating the design of energy-efficient and ecologically responsible residential areas. The study offers practical insights for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, providing a method for implementing BCI–BIM systems to enhance user experience and promote sustainable design practices. The research examines ethical issues concerning privacy, data security, and informed permission, ensuring these technologies adhere to moral and legal requirements. The study underscores the transformational potential of BCI–BIM integration while acknowledging challenges related to data interoperability, integrity, and scalability. As a result, ongoing innovation and rigorous ethical supervision are crucial for effectively implementing these technologies. The findings provide practical insights for architects, engineers, and industry professionals, offering a roadmap for developing intelligent and ethically sound design practices.

Kinlessness at older ages: Prevalence and heterogeneity in 27 countries.

We provide recent and detailed estimates of the prevalence of kinlessness (i.e., people lacking [close] kin) among older individuals in 27 countries. We add to the literature by considering a broad range of kinship ties and examining within-country variabilities by age, sex, education, and rurality of the residential area. Using data from Wave 8 (2019-2020) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we estimated the prevalence of kinlessness among individuals aged 65 and over in 26 European countries and Israel. We considered different definitions of kinlessness, from a less restrictive (based on the absence of both a partner and children) to a more restrictive one (absence of partner, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings). Kinlessness varied considerably across countries. The percentage of people aged 65 and over who lacked a partner and children ranged between 2-3.5% in the Czech Republic, Romania, Israel, and Bulgaria to more than 8% in Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, and Malta. The percentage of older people lacking all close kin considered (partner, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings) ranged from 0.1 to 4.1%. In addition, there was substantial heterogeneity in kinlessness in some countries by age, sex, and rurality of the residential area, whereas, except for a few cases, we did not find significant differences by education. Understanding the prevalence of kinless older adults is critical for policymakers and healthcare providers to design appropriate support systems for this potentially vulnerable group of people.

Challenges of high-fidelity air quality modeling in urban environments – PALM sensitivity study during stable conditions

Abstract. Urban air quality is an important part of human well-being, and its detailed and precise modeling is important for efficient urban planning. In this study the potential sources of errors in large eddy simulation (LES) runs of the PALM model in stable conditions for a high-traffic residential area in Prague, Czech Republic, with a focus on street canyon ventilation, are investigated. The evaluation of the PALM model simulations against observations obtained during a dedicated campaign revealed unrealistically high concentrations of modeled air pollutants for a short period during a winter inversion episode. To identify potential reasons, the sensitivities of the model to changes in meteorological boundary conditions and adjustments of model parameters were tested. The model adaptations included adding the anthropogenic heat from cars, setting a bottom limit of the subgrid-scale turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), adjusting the profiles of parameters of the synthetic turbulence generator in PALM, and limiting the model time step. The study confirmed the crucial role of the correct meteorological boundary conditions for realistic air quality modeling during stable conditions. Besides this, the studied adjustments of the model parameters proved to have a significant impact in these stable conditions, resulting in a decrease in concentration overestimation in the range 30 %–66 % while exhibiting a negligible influence on model results during the rest of the episode. This suggested that the inclusion or improvement of these processes in PALM is desirable despite their negligible impact in most other conditions. Moreover, the time step limitation test revealed numerical inaccuracies caused by discretization errors which occurred during such extremely stable conditions.

Defining digital health literacy profiles in Spanish adults: a latent class analysis

Abstract Background According to different reports, Spain is among the European countries that use digital health technologies the most. However, to develop inclusive and fair digital health services, there is the need to feature digital health knowledge, skills, confidence, and a positive attitude about their significance. This work aims to draw a picture of digital health literacy levels in Spain. Methods A stratified sample of the Spanish population regarding gender, age group and area of residence was used. Participants were recruited from an online panel and by direct approach to balance quotas. Between May 2021- May 2022, participants filled a self-administered online survey, including the Spanish version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Results Digital health literacy showed similar mean scores, between 2.6-2.7 out of 5 with similar SD on each of the 7 dimensions of the eHLQ. The highest scores were related to knowledge about filling data in digital health services and knowledge about health and how the body works, and feelings about the usefulness of digital technology for health. In contrast, lower scores were related to sharing health information by technology, thinking that using technology gives access to better health services, and the possibility to contact usual health professionals with technology. Latent profile analysis identified 5 user profiles. Significant differences were found according to age, inhabitants per municipality, technology use, self-perceived health status, educational level, socioeconomic index and eHEALS scores; not by gender. Conclusions As the scores are similar in the different subscales, competencies, attitudes and confidence in digital health that they measure are balanced. However, the main challenge appears in granting users access to digital services that work, which involves the definition and monitoring of strategies until the final implementation. Key messages • Digital Health literacy in Spain differs according to different aspects, not only age, educational or socioeconomic level. • Confidence in usefulness is a common denominator among the five digital health service user profiles identified.

Social patterning of health misinformation in two Eastern Mediterranean populations

Abstract Background Health misinformation, the spread of false or misleading information relevant to health, has been proposed as a major global public health thread by the WHO. We aimed to identify the major social determinants of health misinformation in the general Greek and Cypriot populations. Methods Following proportional quota sampling we recruited a nationwide sample of 585 adults from Greece and Cyprus between January 2022 and May 2023. A newly developed, culturally adopted questionnaire comprising 48 items, was used to assess misinformation on COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic. Sociodemographic determinants of interest included gender, age, marital status, area of residence, educational attainment, and income. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between the aforementioned social factors and the two dimensions of health misinformation, applying mutual adjustment. Results Misinformation about both vaccination and the pandemic was higher in younger age groups (p-trend 0.026 and 0.007, respectively), among those separated, divorced, or widowed (mean difference, 95% CI compared to those single: 9.73, 0.45, 19.01), and among those living in semi-urban compared to urban areas (11.14, 1.32; 20.97 and 9.44, 1.96; 16.92, respectively). We also detected strong inverse socioeconomic gradients in health misinformation based on educational attainment and income (p-trend <0.001, for both). Conclusions Younger individuals, those living alone, those residing in semi-urban areas, and those with lower educational attainment and income are particularly prone to health misinformation. Our adjusted models show that this social phenomenon is not simply explained by differences in education, hence more complex, cultural, political, perceptual, and psychosocial dynamics might be in place. Addressing the social patterning of health misinformation would help manage the issue more effectively and also reduce health inequalities. Key messages • Health misinformation is strongly socially patterned in two Eastern Mediterranean European populations. • Targeting efforts to tackle health misinformation to those more vulnerable, would render such programmes more effective, also helping reduce social inequalities in health.

The role of sociodemographic factors on herpes zoster vaccine uptake among hard-to-reach populations

Abstract Background The anti-Herpes Zoster (HZ) vaccination program was expanded with the adjuvated recombinant vaccine (HZR) in the Lazio Region, Italy, in 2022, restricting its use only to certain categories at risk due to pathological conditions, such as dialysis patients or immunocompromised individuals. This study focuses on the role of clinical and socio-demographic factors on HZR vaccine uptake within the fragile resident population of the Local Health Authority Rome 2 (ASL RM2). Methods This population-based, retrospective cohort study leveraged data from various registries and databases. The study population comprised 835,779 individuals aged ≥18 years who were both RM2 residents and registered with an RM2 general practitioner (GP). Among these, 143,242 individuals with at least one chronic condition were assessed for vaccination uptake using a multivariate logistic model, exploring associations with gender, age, nationality, marital status, household size, and level of deprivation. Results At the conclusion of the study period, a small fraction (1.5%) of the fragile subjects had received at least one dose of the HZR vaccine, and a majority (78%) completed the vaccination course of two doses. The analysis indicated that vaccine adherence was significantly higher in males (OR = 1.15) and individuals aged 65 + (OR = 1.13) while lower among residents in areas of medium (OR = 0.61) and high deprivation (OR = 0.44) and with specific living arrangements - widowed people living alone (OR = 0.66) and families ≥ 6 people (OR = 0.63). Conclusions The ASL RM2 vaccination strategy for hard-to-reach individuals includes an integrated approach, with the engagement of local healthcare facilities and hospitals. Despite these efforts, lower adherence in socioeconomically disadvantaged fragile patients suggests a pressing need for targeted communication strategies and interventions to ensure equitable access to the HZ vaccine, as these groups are more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases. Key messages • Socio-demographic factors significantly influence Herpes Zoster vaccine uptake in hard-to-reach populations, with lower adherence in socially deprived groups. • Tailored, equity-driven approaches are essential for enhancing vaccine coverage among hard-to-reach fragile individuals, mitigating the higher disease risks in these communities.

The Influence of Iconnet Product Personal Selling on the Purchase Interest of Housing Residents in Medan City

This study aims to analyze the influence of ICONNET product personal selling on the purchase interest of housing residents in Medan City. The research method used is quantitative with a survey approach. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 150 respondents who are housing residents in Medan City. Data analysis was conducted using simple linear regression to test the influence of personal selling on purchase interest. The results of the study indicate that personal selling has a positive and significant influence on the purchase interest of housing residents. Effective personal selling increases consumer purchase interest in ICONNET products. These findings have implications for marketing management that personal selling strategies can be an effective tool to boost sales, particularly in the telecommunications industry in residential areas. Recommendations for future research include adding other variables such as product quality and price to see their effects on purchase interest more comprehensively.

Housing tenure and acute lower respiratory tract infection admissions in two Scottish birth cohorts

Abstract Introduction Early-life acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite young children spending much of their time at home, the contribution of home ownership status, on LRTI hospital admissions is unknown. Objectives To estimate the association between housing tenure and the odds of LRTI hospitalization in children <2 years in two birth cohorts. Methods De-identified Scottish birth records were linked to maternal Census data (2001 and 2011) and to hospital admission data to construct two birth cohorts (Cohort 1 (C1), born 2000-2002; Cohort 2 (C2), 2010-2012). Using logistic regression we estimated the association of housing tenure (owned, social rented, private rented, rent-free) with the odds of LRTI hospital admission, before and after adjustment for maternal age, residential area, and maternal qualification level. Results Over the 2-year follow-up, there were 14,833 LRTI admissions in 12,527 children (10,832 children had 1 LRTI admission and 1,695 >1 LRTI admission). 75.6 % of all LRTI admissions were due to bronchiolitis. In C1 and C2, 4.0% and 5.3% children, respectively, had one or more LRTI admission. Compared to children living in owned housing, the odds of LRTI admission were higher in children living in social rented housing (C1: Odds ratio=1.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-1.49; C2: 1.23, 1.16-1.31), private rented (C1:1.24, 1.11,1.39; C2: 1.14, 1.06-1.21), and rent-free housing (C1: 1.53, 1.35,1.74; C2: 1.04, 0.80-1.36) after confounder adjustment. Conclusions We found an association between non-owned housing and higher odds of LRTI admission which was more marked in C1 than in C2. Further research is warranted to unpick the mechanisms underlying the association between housing tenure and LRTI admission. Interventions to prevent LRTI admissions could usefully target children living in non-owned housing. Key messages • This study demonstrates the value of administrative and health data linkage in improving our understanding of how socio-environmental factors might impact children’s respiratory health. • Children living in social and private rented housing (compared to owned housing) have a higher risk of LRTI hospital admission and could benefit the most from LRTI-lowering interventions.