Household environmental safety and perceived stress among uninsured free clinic patients
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Abstract
The purpose of this research project is to examine the association between household environmental safety and stress among uninsured primary care patients who live in poverty. Data were collected from patients of a free clinic using a self-administered survey in Fall 2019. A total of 559 patients participated in the survey. Higher levels of concern regarding environmental issues at home are associated with higher levels of perceived stress. The following demographic characteristics were associated with higher levels of concern regarding household environmental safety issues— higher educational attainment, younger age, and better self-rated general health. Chronic stress concerning an unsafe environment can be a psychological burden and pose health risks to vulnerable populations. Interventions to improve household environmental safety have the potential to reduce the stress-load of uninsured primary care patients.
Keywords: Environmental issues; free clinic; home; perceived stress; safety; social environment.
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