Health effects of neighborhood demolition and housing improvement: a prospective controlled study of 2 natural experiments in urban renewal

Egan, M., Katikireddi, S.V., Kearns, A. , Tannahill, C., Kalacs, M. and Bond, L. (2013) Health effects of neighborhood demolition and housing improvement: a prospective controlled study of 2 natural experiments in urban renewal. American Journal of Public Health, 103(6), e47-e53. (doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301275)

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Abstract

Objectives: We took advantage of a 2-intervention natural experiment to investigate the impacts of neighborhood demolition and housing improvement on adult residents’ mental and physical health. Methods: We identified a longitudinal cohort (n = 1041, including intervention and control participants) by matching participants in 2 randomly sampled cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2006 and 2008 in 14 disadvantaged neighborhoods of Glasgow, United Kingdom. We measured residents’ self-reported health with Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey version 2 mean scores. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders and baseline health, mean mental and physical health scores for residents living in partly demolished neighborhoods were similar to the control group (mental health, b = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.25, 6.23; P = .185; physical health, b = −0.24; 95% CI = −2.96, 2.48; P = .859). Mean mental health scores for residents experiencing housing improvement were higher than in the control group (b = 2.41; 95% CI = 0.03, 4.80; P = .047); physical health scores were similar between groups (b = −0.66; 95% CI = −2.57, 1.25; P = .486). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that housing improvement may lead to small, short-term mental health benefits. Physical deterioration and demolition of neighborhoods do not appear to adversely affect residents’ health.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Egan, Dr Matthew and Katikireddi, Professor Vittal and Kearns, Professor Ade and Bond, Professor Lyndal and Tannahill, Dr Carol
Authors: Egan, M., Katikireddi, S.V., Kearns, A., Tannahill, C., Kalacs, M., and Bond, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
Journal Name:American Journal of Public Health
ISSN:0090-0036
ISSN (Online):1541-0048

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