A network analysis of housing quality indicators and depression in women

Numerous studies have detected associations between poor housing quality and increased risk for mental illness. However, it currently remains unclear in associations between poor housing quality and increased risk for women's mental illness which housing quality indicators drive this association and hence which specific indicators should be prioritised in housing quality assessments or improvements. In a sample of up to 9,669 pregnant women, we used a network analysis to investigate cross-sectional associations between poor housing quality indicators (e.g., house size, facilities, leaks or condensation/mould, decorations, and feelings towards the home) and depressive symptoms (assessed at age 28). All 36 edges showed non-zero associations, whereby when considering all poor housing quality indicators 'feelings-towards-the-home' had the strongest association with depressive symptoms, and 'feelings-towards-the-home', in turn, was most strongly associated with house problems, size, and facilities. Our findings highlight the importance of using multiple (or composite) person-centred measures of housing quality in the context of maternal mental health.