Effects of “Habitat For Humanity Program” on Housing Conditions in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate effects of the Habitat for Humanity Program on housing conditions in three communities in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. One hundred fortyseven pairs of Habitat and non-Habitat households were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire, and observed by data collectors. More non-Habitat houses (35.6%) had inadequate toilet facilities than did Habitat houses (12.2%, p<0.001). The observed condition of floors, walls, and rooves was significantly poorer in non-Habitat than Habitat houses (p<0.001). However, not all conditions were better in Habitat houses. For example, the degree of home smokiness during cooking, and the level of personal privacy (as reflected in private sleeping room), were similar in both types of houses. Further research is needed to assess the importance to health of environmental factors that improved with Habitat housing, relative to those that did not improve.