Perceptions of Physical Inspections as a Tool to Protect Housing Quality and Promote Health Equity.

Physical inspections that assess how well affordable housing properties meet quality and safety standards help to ensure that low-income tenants live in a healthy built environment. This study was part of a larger Health Impact Assessment (HIA) conducted between January 2012 and November 2013 to inform policymakers about the potential health consequences of a proposed policy decision to align the physical inspections required by housing funding agencies, which would result in a reduction of the frequency of physical inspections. Key informant interviews (n=18) of property managers and tenants were used to explore the inspection process, identification of housing quality issues, and potential effects on the health of affordable housing tenants and the impact on property management practices.

Community Members' Input into Cancer Prevention Campaign Development and Experience Being Featured in the Campaign.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increased and CRC screening rates are lower among Appalachia Ohio residents.

Objectives: We sought to describe 1) a partnership of cancer researchers and community members that developed county-specific media campaigns to improve CRC screening rates (intervention) and fruit and vegetable consumption (control) and 2) the experience of community members featured in the campaigns.

Methods: Community members assisted with campaign development, were featured in campaigns, identified locations for materials, and promoted the campaigns.

Affordable housing and health: a health impact assessment on physical inspection frequency.

Objectives: To characterize the prevalence of health-related housing quality exposure for the vulnerable populations that live in affordable housing.

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting: Affordable housing properties in Ohio inspected between 2007 and 2011.