2020
The authors of the study are not provided in the document.
The scoping review examines the impact of the cohousing model on health and wellbeing, highlighting its potential to foster social networks and healthy communities. The literature review, conducted across several databases, identified 2560 articles, ultimately selecting 25 for analysis. Of these, ten studies evaluated the relationship between cohousing and health outcomes, with eight indicating a positive association concerning physical and mental health. Additionally, 22 studies focused on psychosocial determinants, such as social support and community sense, which also showed positive links to wellbeing and quality of life. However, the overall quality of evidence was deemed low, primarily due to the prevalence of cross-sectional and qualitative designs that hinder causal interpretations. The findings suggest that while the cohousing model may enhance health through psychosocial factors, further research is essential to substantiate these effects and explore both psychosocial and material implications.
Abstract
Background
Housing is a social determinant of health. Extensive research has highlighted its adverse effects on health. However, less is known about the effects of cohousing typology on health, which has the potential to create lively social networks and healthy communities and environments. We report the findings of a scoping study designed to gather and synthesise all known evidence on the relationship between cohousing and wellbeing and health.
Method
Using the scoping review method, we conducted a literature review in PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and JSTOR in May 2019 and selected articles published from 1960 onwards, with no geographical limit and no design restrictions. Retrieved articles underwent three sequential screening phases. The results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.
Results
Of the 2560 articles identified, we selected 25 full-text articles analysing 77 experiences. All of them were conducted in high-income countries. Ten studies analysed the impact of cohousing on physical and mental health or quality of life and wellbeing. Eight of the 10 studies found a positive association. In addition, 22 studies analysed one or more psychosocial determinants of health (such as social support, sense of community and physical, emotional and economic security) and most found a positive association. Through these determinants, quality of life, wellbeing and health could be improved. However, the quality of the evidence was low.
Discussion
The cohousing model could enhance health and wellbeing mediated by psychosocial determinants of health. However, extreme caution should be exercised in drawing any conclusions due to the dearth of data identified and the designs used in the included studies, with most being cross-sectional or qualitative studies, which precluded causal-based interpretations. Because housing is a major social determinant of health, more evidence is needed on the impact of this model on health through both psychosocial and material pathways.