Year: 2006
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that a strong relationship exists between environment and human physical condition, with living conditions in particular contributing to the health and well being of particular population groups. More specifically, various research conducted throughout Australia and elsewhere has concluded that there are strong linkages between housing and health. For example, Currie and Carapetis (2000) infer that poor health is directly linked to poor housing and housing infrastructure. People with unmet housing needs tend to be socio-economically disadvantaged, and experience higher death rates, poor health, and are more likely to have serious chronic illnesses . Evidence suggests strong linkages between poor housing and infrastructure, and subsequent impact on health. However, whilst much of the research conducted has found statistical associations existing between housing aspects (tenure, dwelling quality and type, home and location) and health outcomes, there has been little investigation into determining how the various aspects relate to one another for particular population groups. Further, commonalities that may exist between both indigenous and non-indigenous communities have implications for improved planning especially in the area of public housing assistance. This paper provides an in depth commentary on the literature and in particular the key health issues related to housing. More importantly, it endeavours to research specifically in an Australian context enabling a comparison and determination of the real drivers and relationships that exist between several groups – the indigenous community, and selected sectors of the non-indigenous population. It will therefore cut across several disciplines including property economics, town planning, engineering and medicine.
Author: Gary O. Garner
Institution: Queensland University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1571068172