Factors associated with housing stability for Aboriginal families in South Australia: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Stable, affordable and safe housing is a key determinant of health and wellbeing. Evidence from an Australian population-based cohort of 344 Aboriginal mothers and children aged 5-9 years shows that tenure type, financial difficulties and women’s experience of partner violence are key drivers to housing stability. Stable housing was defined as moving house ≤ two times in the previous five years. Women had higher odds of stable housing if they had not reported partner violence in the last year (Adj. OR = 2.2, 95%CI 1.1–4.3) and reported fewer financial difficulties (Adj. OR= 2.2, 95%CI 0.9–5.4). Women in private rental had lower odds of stable housing (Adj. OR = 0.4, 95%CI 0.2–0.7) compared to women in government subsidised rental housing. Understanding factors that support housing stability is crucial to ensure the best outcomes for young Aboriginal children and families at a critical period in the life course.