Research Abstracts: Environmental housing factors

Title: Poverty and place: does locality make a difference?
Author: Hooper, Carol-Ann et al
Reference: Poverty, no 128, Autumn 2007, pp7-10

Abstract: The authors discuss findings from a qualitative study of low-income families in York and London, which aimed to explore the relationships between poverty, parenting and children’s well-being in diverse social circumstances by including families living in both deprived and in relatively affluent areas. Areas discussed include: housing neighbourhood context poverty, inequality and social inclusion access to amenities, services and schools.

Title: Against the odds: reporting on the housing needs of young people
Author: Brown, G
Reference: Childright, no.235, April 2007, pp20-23

Abstract: This article reports on the findings of the Shelter study Against the Odds which shows that a generation of children are suffering from to the housing crisis. One million children in the UK are living in overcrowded conditions, almost 130,000 homeless children living in temporary accommodation and an estimated 591,000 children are living in run-down and unfit housing. The study highlights the impact in relation to education, health, emotional well-being, family and friendship, and communities.

Title: Effect of insulating existing houses on health inequality: cluster randomised study in the community
Abstract: Howden-Chapman, Philippa et al
Reference: British Medical Journal, 3 March 2007, pp.460-464

Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether insulating houses increases indoor temperatures and improves occupants’ health and well-being. Participants in the study were 1,350 households containing 4,407 participants from low income communities in New Zealand. The results found insulation was associated with a small increase in bedroom temperatures during the winter (0.5°C) and decreased relative humidity (-2.3%), despite energy consumption in insulated houses being 81% of that in uninsulated houses. These changes were associated with reduced odds in the insulated homes of fair or poor self-rated health, wheezing in the past three months, children taking a day off school, and adults taking a day off work. Visits to GPs were less often reported by occupants of insulated homes.

Title: The housing needs of black and minority ethnic disabled children and their families
Author: Beresford, Bryony
Publisher: Race Equality Foundation, 2007, 6p,

Abstract: There are many ways in which housing can be unsuitable for disabled children and their families. There are also some differences between ethnic groups in terms of the sorts of difficulties they are likely to face. Bangladeshi and Pakistani families are most likely to be living in unsuitable housing and also to have multiple problems.

Title: It doesn’t happen here: the reality of child poverty in the UK
Author: Sharma, Neera
Publisher: Barnardo’s, 2007, 64p

Abstract: This report looks at the lives of the poorest children, based on interviews with over 40 families with whom Barnardo’s works with. The interviews demonstrate the reality of life for those deeply mired in poverty, and include children in black and minority ethnic families, those in families struggling on low wages, lone parent families, families affected by disability and large families. The report also looks at other vulnerable groups, including children in asylum-seeking families, children in poor housing and young people living independently.