Better Homes, Worse Health?

The link between poor housing and poor health has long been recognised. But new research has shown that home improvements can also make you sick.

Stress and sleeplessness are just two of the problems caused when the builders move in, according to Terry Allen, a researcher in the Department of Applied Social Sciences, who interviewed residents on a Bradford housing estate undergoing a multi-million-pound improvement that included structural alterations, door and window replacements and rewiring.

He said: "Many of the houses were in a poor state of repair, damp and ill-heated so in general most people were pleased that the work was being done. Much as the residents welcomed the outcome, it proved to be a stressful process for some." The biggest problem was lack of information about what was going on - especially when workmen failed to turn up. "The residents felt they weren't in control," said Terry. "While people clearly recognised the council's rights as the landlord, many expressed concern over the lack of any real choice beyond that of small details such as wallpaper or the colour of the bathroom suite." Following a survey of 77 residents on the Allerton estate, Terry carried out more detailed interviews with 16 of them - before and after the work was done. "Before the work started, reactions ranged from powerful and angrily-expressed objections to welcoming the change and not anticipating any problems. Most were optimistic about the outcome, but 11 of the 16 were anxious about the process." Some residents had not wanted any control and were happy for the work to go on without their involvement. But after the work was carried out, those residents who had wanted more control over the process said that this had never been on offer. "For many, their worst fears about disruption and dislocation had been realised and they felt distanced and alienated from the process.

"The negative feelings people referred to were usually associated with being stressed, and experiencing sleeplessness. Even those who felt indifferent about the process in prospect suffered significantly if things went wrong once work had begun." Terry said his research challenged the view that regeneration was automatically good for you. "It may, indeed, make you sick," he said.

However, it was not all gloomy news. Some residents managed to cope better while work was going on, when they felt able to exercise more control.

Terry added: "Their self-esteem and general health, far from being adversely affected, were enhanced. The clear message is that when changes are proposed which are, quite literally, close to home, people should be given far greater involvement and control. Without this, the process may be much more stressful and unhealthy than need be." He said a new model of partnership was needed between local-authority landlords and tenants, with residents being given more control over the work being done on their homes.

Terry's research for a PhD was funded by Bradford Health Authority and Bradford Council.

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University - Public Relations - Annual Reports - 2000 Contents - Research

University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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