Abstract
BACKGROUND: Housing is an important social determinant of health. The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive role of homeownership in mental health outcomes. METHODS: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2020 data (N = 401,958) were analyzed. OUTCOMES: Self-reported prevalence of ever depressive disorders, difficulty concentrating or remembering, difficulty doing errands alone due to poor physical/mental health, number of days not having good mental health in past 30 days, and number of days poor physical/mental health affected daily activities in past 30 days Exposure: Homeownership (own/rent). Adjusting factors: Socio-demographic and lifestyle variables. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) are reported. All estimates were weighted to account for the study design. RESULTS: Of the participants, 33% resided in rental properties. The mean age for renters was 38 years, and homeowners 53. Homeownership was high among women, old age, employed, and White race. The prevalence of ever depressive disorders was18.3%, with high estimates among women, age group (18-44 years), and American-Indians/Alaskan-Natives. The study revealed a significant association between homeownership and mental health. In the adjusted models, compared to homeowners, renters experienced higher prevalence of ever depressive disorders (aOR 1.29, 95%CI: 1.16-1.44), increased difficulty concentrating/remembering (aOR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.19-1.60), were more likely to report poor physical/mental health affecting daily activities (aOR 1.24, 95%CI: 1.05-1.45), reported more days of not having good mental health in the past 30 days (aOR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.12-1.34), and had increased likelihood of poor physical/mental health affecting their daily activities (aOR 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.31). Age-stratified analysis demonstrates consistent associations across various age groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides robust evidence supporting the positive impact of homeownership on mental health. Promoting affordable homeownership opportunities has the potential to alleviate the mental health burden in the United States.