Housing Insecurity and Health Outcomes Among Migrants from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Stable and adequate housing is essential for mental and physical well-being. However, housing insecurity is a growing global issue, particularly affecting migrants. This review synthesizes the available evidence on the determinants and health outcomes associated with housing insecurity among culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) populations living in high-income countries. A scoping review was conducted of literature published in English, focusing on migrants from CaLD backgrounds living in high-income countries. The review followed the framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Once data were extracted and categorized, a bibliometric analysis was performed to examine core research and author networks. The review included 57 studies; the highest proportions were from the USA (n = 13, 22.8%) and Canada (n = 9, 15.8%). The review found that housing insecurity among migrants of CaLD backgrounds was shaped by a range of micro-level, meso-level, and macro-level factors, increasing migrants' vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Four themes were identified: negative mental health outcomes, negative physical health outcomes, social and developmental challenges, and health-related barriers and increased health risks. The bibliometric analysis illustrated fragmented research networks, while the keyword analysis highlighted thematic clusters on housing, migration, and mental health. Addressing housing insecurity demands a multi-level approach that integrates mental and physical health support and reduces barriers to healthcare access. By addressing housing insecurity as a health issue, decision-makers can help reduce the significant health inequalities experienced by migrants from CaLD backgrounds and promote equitable, accessible, and health-enabling housing environments.