Housing Insecurity Among Latinxs

J Immigr Minor Health. 2022 Jun;24(3):656-665. doi: 10.1007/s10903-021-01258-9. Epub 2021 Jul 31.

Abstract

Latinxs are vulnerable to experiencing housing insecurity and less likely to receive public benefits, such as health insurance, which can impact a household's economic resources. We inform homelessness prevention by examining the association of social risks and healthcare access with housing insecurity for Latinxs. Our sample consisted of 120,362 participants under the age of 65, of which 17.3% were Latinx. Weighted chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to examine predictors of housing insecurity. Housing insecurity was measured as worry about paying for housing. Latinxs were almost twice as likely as non-Latinxs to worry about paying for housing. Excellent/fair health status, health service use, and having health insurance decreased the likelihood of housing insecurity for Latinxs. Access to health insurance, regardless of citizenship status, and use of preventative healthcare to maintain good health can be protective against housing insecurity.

Keywords: Healthcare; Homelessness; Housing insecurity; Immigrants; Latinx.

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Health Status
  • Housing
  • Housing Instability*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*