Location-Specific Barriers to Health Equity in Low-Income Housing Projects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71164/socialmedicine.v19i3.2026.2425Keywords:
Urban Planning, Health Equity, Location Specific Health Impacts, Environmental HazardsAbstract
Introduction:Rapid urbanization in India poses significant challenges to achieving health equity, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods where environmental hazards are prevalent. Development projects aimed at improving living conditions may be undermined by location-specific barriers that can impact residents’ health. This study examined how location-specific health impacts influence the effectiveness of urban development projects in achieving health equity, focusing on the Vellaloor Housing Project in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods:A cross-sectional survey conducted among 120 residents, ages 24-40 years, selected through cluster sampling. A semi-structured interview schedule measured (1) facilities provided through the housing project, (2) health equity in access to these facilities, and (3) location-specific health impacts from a nearby garbage treatment plant. Results:Multiple linear regression with interaction analysis tested the moderating effect of location-specific impacts. Facility provision positively correlated with health equity (r = 0.739, p < 0.01), while location-specific health impacts were negatively correlated (r = –0.676, p < 0.01). Regression results showed that location-specific health impacts significantly moderated the relationship between facilities and health equity (β - interaction = –0.013, p = 0.015), reducing the positive effect of facilities. The model explained 67.1% of the variance in health equity (R² = 0.671). Conclusion:Although the development project improved access to facilities, its impact on health equity was weakened by environmental hazards from the adjacent garbage unit. Urban planning for marginalized communities should integrate location-specific environmental assessments to ensure projects achieve their intended health outcomes.
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