2020
The authors are not specified in the provided text.
The document presents a scoping review on the effects of the cohousing model on individuals' health and wellbeing. As housing is recognized as a crucial social determinant of health, the study seeks to explore how different living arrangements, particularly cohousing, can foster social networks and enhance community health. The research highlights the need for comprehensive evidence to understand this relationship better. In conducting the review, the researchers utilized multiple academic databases, gathering articles from as far back as 1960 without geographical or design limitations. Out of 2560 articles identified, 25 were selected for full-text analysis, focusing on 77 unique experiences primarily from high-income countries. Notably, ten studies assessed the impact of cohousing on physical and mental health, with eight of them revealing a positive correlation. Additionally, the review examined psychosocial determinants such as social support and community sense, which also demonstrated favorable associations with wellbeing. Despite these promising findings, the review emphasizes the need for caution. The quality of evidence was found to be low, as many included studies were cross-sectional or qualitative, limiting the ability to draw definitive causal conclusions. The authors advocate for further research to better understand how cohousing can impact health through both psychosocial and material pathways, as the implications of these findings could significantly influence housing policies and community planning aimed at improving public health.
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.