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A Citizen Science Approach to Identifying Indoor Environmental Barriers to Optimal Health for under 5s Experiencing Homelessness in Temporary Accommodation

Author

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  • Diana Margot Rosenthal

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Marcella Ucci

    (UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Michelle Heys

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    Specialist Children and Young People’s Services, East London NHS Foundation Trust, London E15 4PT, UK)

  • Antoinette Schoenthaler

    (Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA)

  • Monica Lakhanpaul

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    Community Paediatrics, Whittington Health NHS, London N19 5NF, UK)

  • Andrew Hayward

    (UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK
    UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Celine Lewis

    (UCL Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
    North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3BH, UK)

Abstract

The first five years of life are critical for optimal growth, health, and cognitive development. Adverse childhood experiences, including experiencing homelessness, can be a risk factor for multiple health issues and developmental challenges. There is a dearth of data collected with and by families with children under age five living in temporary accommodation due to experiencing homelessness (U5TA) describing indoor environmental barriers that prevent U5TA from achieving and maintaining optimal health. The aim of this study was to address this current gap using a citizen science approach. Fifteen participants, who were mothers of U5TA living in a deprived area of London, and the lead researcher collected data in late 2019/early 2020 using: (I) a housing survey conducted via a mobile app; (II) house visits; and (III) collaborative meetings. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Key themes included: overcrowding/shared facilities, dampness/mold growth, poor/inadequate kitchen/toilet facilities, infestations/vermin, structural problems/disrepair, unsafe electrics, excessively cold temperatures, and unsafe surfaces that risk causing trips/falls, with all participants experiencing multiple concurrent indoor environmental barriers. The citizen science approach was successfully used to collect meaningful data demonstrating the need for child-centered housing policies meeting the needs of current and future generations of families living in TA.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana Margot Rosenthal & Marcella Ucci & Michelle Heys & Antoinette Schoenthaler & Monica Lakhanpaul & Andrew Hayward & Celine Lewis, 2022. "A Citizen Science Approach to Identifying Indoor Environmental Barriers to Optimal Health for under 5s Experiencing Homelessness in Temporary Accommodation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3976-:d:780654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Elizabeth Orton & Denise Kendrick & Joe West & Laila J Tata, 2014. "Persistence of Health Inequalities in Childhood Injury in the UK; A Population-Based Cohort Study of Children under 5," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(10), pages 1-8, October.
    3. Swope, Carolyn B. & Hernández, Diana, 2019. "Housing as a determinant of health equity: A conceptual model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    4. Zima, B.T. & Wells, K.B. & Freeman, H.E., 1994. "Emotional and behavioral problems and severe academic delays among sheltered homeless children in Los Angeles County," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(2), pages 260-264.
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    Cited by:

    1. Diana Margot Rosenthal & Antoinette Schoenthaler & Michelle Heys & Marcella Ucci & Andrew Hayward & Ashlee Teakle & Monica Lakhanpaul & Celine Lewis, 2023. "How Does Living in Temporary Accommodation and the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact under 5s’ Healthcare Access and Health Outcomes? A Qualitative Study of Key Professionals in a Socially and Ethnically Diver," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-22, January.

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