The WHO defines health as: “Not just the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” This means that the conditions, in which we live, learn, work and grow old, or the social contexts of health and disease also influence our health and well-being. These social factors are called the social determinants of health.
Social gradient has been identified as one of the 10 social determinants of health, which also include stress, early life, social exclusion, work, unemployment, social support, addiction, food and transport. The gradient is measured by variables like income, education, occupation or housing.
The quality of housing is becoming increasingly important to public health. To reiterate the significance of housing in health and well-being, the WHO released new guidelines.
Healthy housing is not just the physical structure, which protects from extremes of temperature, injury hazards, animals/pests and provides adequate sanitation and illumination, it also means a feeling of home, which provides security, privacy and a sense of belonging.
The new guidelines take into account the major health risks associated with poor housing conditions in four areas:
— Courtesy WHO Housing andHealth Guidelines, 2018