Housing interventions and control of injury-related structural deficiencies: a review of the evidence

J Public Health Manag Pract. 2010 Sep-Oct;16(5 Suppl):S34-43. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0b013e3181e28b10.

Abstract

Subject matter experts systematically reviewed evidence on the effectiveness of housing interventions that affect safety and injury outcomes, such as falls, fire-related injuries, burns, drowning, carbon monoxide poisoning, heat-related deaths, and noise-related harm, associated with structural housing deficiencies. Structural deficiencies were defined as those deficiencies for which a builder, landlord, or home-owner would take responsibility (ie, design, construction, installation, repair, monitoring). Three of the 17 interventions reviewed had sufficient evidence for implementation: installed, working smoke alarms; 4-sided isolation pool fencing; and preset safe hot water temperature. Five interventions needed more field evaluation, 8 needed formative research, and 1 was found to be ineffective. This evidence review shows that housing improvements are likely to help reduce burns and scalds, drowning in pools, and fire-related deaths and injuries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accident Prevention / methods*
  • Accident Prevention / standards
  • Housing / standards*
  • Humans
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control*