2020
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The scoping review titled "The effects of cohousing model on people’s health and wellbeing" explores the relationship between cohousing and health outcomes. It highlights the importance of housing as a social determinant of health, emphasizing that while many studies have examined the negative impacts of traditional housing, there is a gap in understanding how cohousing can positively influence health and wellbeing. The review synthesizes findings from a comprehensive literature search conducted across multiple databases, identifying 2560 articles, of which 25 full-text articles were selected for analysis. These studies primarily focused on high-income countries and examined various aspects of physical and mental health, social support, and community sense. Notably, ten studies reported a positive association between cohousing and health outcomes, suggesting that living in such environments can enhance quality of life. However, the authors caution that the overall quality of the evidence is low, as most studies employed cross-sectional or qualitative designs, limiting causal interpretations. They stress the need for more robust data to establish the true impact of cohousing on health through both psychosocial determinants and material factors. The findings underline the potential of the cohousing model to foster healthier communities but also highlight the necessity for further research to validate these claims and inform future housing policies.
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.