Relationship between Housing and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of an Urban Centre of India

Abstract

Poor housing is an important public health risk worldwide. Addressing this issue offers an opportunity to highlight a vital social determinant of health. This study aimed to evaluate housing conditions and their potential health consequences in three different zones of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. A cross-sectional design used for data collection from random sample of 1896 households through door to door survey method was adopted for this study. It is hypothesised that housing conditions and health outcomes vary in different parts of the city according to their geographical location, and historical background of development. A trend of overcrowded housing condition was reported by nearly 65% of the respondents in city zone, while the respective percentage for Najafgarh and Shahdara was 35% and 46%. Regression analysis of household level data controlling individual socio-economic and demographic covariates indicates, respiratory infections were the main health outcomes ( p<0.006) and attached to overcrowding; ARI (OR 1.62, CI 1.42–1.84), tuberculosis (OR 1.26, CI 1.11–1.44) and asthma (OR 1.17, C.I 1.03–1.33). The study concludes that a uniform approach cannot solve the problem. A combination of programmes and policies including implementation of housing codes, renovation work, and generating awareness among the dwellers can lead to a better health.