Housing and health – a public health perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on homelessness and health gained from a practical public health perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Views derived from local review as well as other national epidemiology and research.

Findings

That housing has real impacts upon health especially for those who are homeless.

Research limitations/implications

This is a viewpoint from a major city in England.

Practical implications

Homelessness leads to extreme vulnerability. There are other aspects of the home environment that impact elsewhere in the public sector, especially the health service. Vulnerable individuals are more likely to become homeless which can lead to exacerbation of vulnerability.

Originality/value

This is a viewpoint derived solely from local practice.

Citation

Phillips, A. and Baker, A. (2014), "Housing and health – a public health perspective", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 19-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-08-2013-0035