Housing as a social determinant of health: a contemporary framework

Abstract

Housing is a key social determinant of health. Healthy housing is affordable, suitable, and secure. It is characterised by warmth, dryness, and proper ventilation; free from hazards such as mould and toxins; accessible to occupants with functional limitations; and provides foundational security. Conversely, exposure to unhealthy home environments can negatively affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing, infectious disease transmission, and injury risk. Housing-focused health interventions and programmes offer a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between housing and health, potentially leading to improved population health outcomes across various domains. This Series pa..