Housing subsidy and self-perception of well-being: does housing subsidy make a difference in residents' perception of their physical and mental health?

Abstract

Studies have indicated that there is a link between health and a person's living environment. There have been no comparisons of the effects of the use the different types of housing subsidy on perceived quality of life and well-being of individuals. Around the country, individuals are being moved from their homes in public housing into Section 8 housing. This study, conducted in Columbia, Missouri, (a mid-sized Midwestern town) compared Section 8 and public housing residents in terms of perceived physical and mental health. Results from the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) instrument indicated no differences between the two groups in the areas of health and housing subsidy, but found differences in subsidy type and demographics. Possible reasons for, and implications of, findings are explored.