Introduction:
There are many social, economic and environmental factors which have an impact a child’s health and well-being. One of the main issues that I will be discussing is how living in overcrowded housing affects a child’s overall well-being. I will also be exploring how two of the main infectious diseases known as meningitis and tuberculosis affect a child’s health through deprived housing conditions.
‘Studies have also found a direct link between childhood tuberculosis infection and overcrowding’
ODPM, The impact of overcrowding on health and education: a review of the evidence and literature, 2004.
Findings:
There are countless research papers that show how inadequate housing has a direct impact a Childs health and well-being; throughout this discussion I will be focusing on how poor housing such as overcrowding, damp and mould can affect a Childs physical health. British medical association found that damp and mould conditions impact more strongly on children than adults. Damp conditioned houses are favorable to bacteria, and viruses, mould and fungi, these both produce allergens that can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems which may have restrictions on a child’s sleep, daily activities and absence from school all of which have long term implications for a child’s personal development. Hunt 1993 also stated that one of the ways that damp housing is a health risk is through the effects of house dust mites and moulds. House dust mites and airborne mould spores are common in households and can cause respiratory conditions such as asthma, diarrhea and nausea. Therefore, children who sleep in damp homes are twice as likely to experience gastrointestinal upsets, aches and pains, fatigue and nervousness.
Bristol and Western Health found that children living in overcrowding conditions increase their chances of developing life threatening diseases such meningitis. Also according to Stanwell-smith there is direct link between...