People spend 90 percent of their time indoors. We are working in office buildings, living in homes, and spend leisure time in shopping malls, restaurants, the gym, etc. However, the lock-down measures currently implemented in most countries around the world are forcing us to spend our time at just a single place -- our own home. Indeed, the mantra across many U.S. states has become "Stay Home, Stay Healthy."
Beyond the direct effects of COVID19 on human health, there is no shortage of news headlines on the indirect implications that the COVID19 pandemic may have on physical and mental health, including the negative effects of reduced exercise, increased mental and psychological stress, and delayed medical procedures. Another important, but overlooked public health issue is the fact that individuals now face prolonged exposure to the indoor quality of their own home and the possible negative health consequences of that exposure.
The big question: is staying home is actually "staying healthy"? Well, that depends. Our research finds that the maintenance status of a home has a significant impact on both the objective and subjective health of individuals, with increased doctor visits and decreased mental health status in homes with deficient maintenance.
Dutch version (Economisch Statistische Berichten, 105, 284-286.)
