Damp housing conditions as a determinant of psychological distress: a longitudinal analysis of the British Household Panel Survey

Limited evidence exists regarding whether damp housing contributes to psychological distress. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between damp housing exposure and psychological distress. Data from the British Household Panel Survey (1996-2008) were used to assess the effect of damp housing on psychological distress in British households (n = 9,189 at baseline). Indoor dampness exposure was measured using multiple indicators (condensation, leaky roof, rot, and damp walls/floors) and a measure of severity that quantified the number of exposures. Psychological distress was measured using a binary variable derived from the General Health Questionnaire. Multivariate fixed effects logistic regression models analysed the hypothesised associations. Exposure to damp housing was associated with increased odds of psychological distress (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.14, P<0.01). Condensation was the strongest predictor (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.13, P<0.01). With each additional dampness indicator, odds of psychological distress increased by 4% (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07, P<0.01). Among combinations of dampness indicators, the strongest association was for condensation and rot in windows/floors (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.40, P<0.01). These findings suggest damp housing exposure may increase the risk of psychological distress. Further research should investigate underlying mechanisms.