Housing improvements and the health of older Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore associations between housing remediation programmes and health among older Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with clients and staff involved in Pacific Healthy Homes, a housing improvement programme for Pacific adults aged ≥45 years. Quantitative analyses used a pre-post design and examined 5-year health outcomes among Pacific adults aged ≥45 years who participated in the Healthy Housing Initiative (HHI), a child-focused programme.

RESULTS

Pacific Healthy Homes participants reported that repairs, heating and insulation improved warmth and well-being. However, disrepair and inaccessibility challenges persisted in some homes. Trusted relationships with staff and home visits were central to participants' positive experiences. Quantitative analysis showed that HHI participation was associated with lower all-cause hospitalisation rates among households of older Pacific people (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.82, confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.85), but not among older adults themselves (IRR: 1.04, CI: 0.97-1.11). Pharmaceutical dispensing increased for both individuals (IRR: 1.14, CI: 1.10-1.18) and households (IRR: 1.08, CI: 1.06-1.10), potentially reflecting increased engagement with health services.

CONCLUSIONS

Housing improvement programmes combining remediation and relationship-based support may contribute to improved well-being among older Pacific peoples.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Public health strategies should address housing quality, repair, and accessibility needs to maximise benefits.