The well established links between poor housing and poor health indicate that housing improvement may be an important mechanism through which public investment can lead to health improvement.
The Campbell Collaboration has published a systematic review, which is jointly registered with Cochrane, that has examined the health and social impacts on residents following housing improvements.
Thirty-nine studies which reported quantitative or qualitative data, or both, were included in the review led by Hilary Thomson. The results suggest that housing investment which improves thermal comfort in the home can lead to health improvements, especially where the improvements are targeted at those with inadequate warmth and those with chronic respiratory disease.
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