Housing Discrimination and Health: Understanding Potential Linking Pathways Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

Few studies have examined the impact of housing discrimination on health. This study explores potential pathways linking housing discrimination and health using concept mapping, a mixed-method approach. Participants included employees from twenty Fair Housing Organizations nationwide who participated in two online sessions, brainstorming, and structuring. Responses were generated representing biological, social, economic, and physical connections between housing discrimination and health. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, five clusters were identified: (1) Access and barriers; (2) Opportunities for growth; (3) Neighborhood and communities; (4) Physical effects of housing discrimination; and (5) Mental health. Clusters 1 (4.09) and 2 (4.08) were rated as most important for health, while clusters 2 (3.93) and 3 (3.90) were rated as most frequently occurring. These findings add to the limited evidence connecting housing discrimination to health and highlight the need for studies focusing on the long-term health effects of housing discrimination on individuals and neighborhoods.

Associations between historical residential redlining and current age-adjusted rates of emergency department visits due to asthma across eight cities in California: an ecological study

“…40 Additionally, the practice of redlining might influence the placement of healthcare services, thus potentially limiting future access to care and hence, might contribute to existing asthma disparities. 16,41 Furthermore, the historical context upon which institutions in these communities function can perpetuate inequity. For example, two studies published in the past few years found that historical concentrations of enslaved populations during the 1800s in the southern USA are associated with present-day poor health outcomes.…”

Racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality across Michigan, United States

“…Systemic racism refers to the embedded power in institutions and other structures led by those with both known and unrecognized biases that are reflected in regulations, policies and practices, perpetuating inequitable access to resources and opportunities [13]. Amongst Black communities, longstanding marginalization has led to higher rates of housing instability, financial insecurity, and essential service inaccessibility compared to White communities [14][15][16]. For instance, Black families in Michigan report 2.5 times higher rates of poverty [17] and 43% lower household incomes [18] than White families.…”

Racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality across Michigan, United States

“…Longstanding marginalization of Black communities has led to higher rates of housing instability, financial insecurity, and essential service inaccessibility compared to White communities. [9][10][11] For instance, Black families in Michigan report 2.5 times higher rates of poverty 12 and 43% lower household incomes 13 than White families. Flint and Detroit, the residents of which are predominantly Black, are the the second and fourth poorest cities in the US, respectively.…”