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Abstract Domestic squalor is a difficult topic to study; residents of squalid homes are unlikely to volunteer for research due to factors such as stigma or poor insight. Although squalor and hoarding are distinct constructs, extant research suggests squalor occurs more commonly in hoarding than in the general population, but little is known about the circumstances under which squalor develops in hoarded homes. The current study aimed to identify correlates and unique predictors of squalor in the context of hoarded homes based on archival data (N = 381) collected in 2010–2014 from three North American community agencies who help clients with hoarding symptoms and squalor. As part of their routine services, each agency completed in-home assessments to evaluate client characteristics (poor insight, social isolation) and conditions of the home (clutter accumulation, poor access to kitchen or bathroom, number of pets). Across sites, degree of clutter accumulation and poor access to the kitchen or bathroom were consistent unique predictors of squalor presence. This research provides a window into the homes of people who struggle with problematic living conditions and suggests that specific conditions of the home are potential risk factors for squalor in the context of hoarding symptoms. Highlights • This study identified correlates for squalor in hoarding based on 2010–2014 data from three North American community agencies who help clients with hoarding and squalor. • Malfunctioning or poor access to either the kitchen or bathroom is a risk factor for squalor in community-referred hoarded homes. • High clutter accumulation is also a risk factor for squalor presence in community-referred hoarded homes. • Study prevalence rates of squalor across three diverse agencies suggest that squalor is common in hoarded homes (35–72%) but far from ubiquitous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two problems are noted in the process of measuring material inequality and linking it to health across cultural boundaries. First, comparative measurements may be used as the basis for policy making, which ends up disciplining cultural minorities. In this way, policies intended to relieve disparities can actually have the effect of extending the power of the dominant group to define appropriate cultural understanding of the world for the minority group. Second, comparative measurements may inaccurately inform theories of how inequality works to influence health and well-being. To the extent that culture mediates the relationship between inequality and outcomes of interest to researchers, those ignoring cultural differences will fail to adequately assess the impact and significance of material inequality. In this paper we discuss and illustrate these problems with reference to the study and measurement of overcrowding and its effects on health and well-being for Inuit communities in Nunavut, Canada. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several studies have identified disparities in access to food retailers among urban neighbourhoods with varied socio-demographic characteristics; but few studies have examined whether key zoning and siting mechanisms described in the urban planning literature explain differences in food store access. This study assessed associations between socio-demographic and urban planning variables with the availability of large supermarkets and stores selling fresh food within one kilometre buffers from residential addresses and the proximity to the closest food stores across 630 census tracts in British Columbia, Canada. Multivariate regression results indicated that neighbourhoods with higher median household income had significantly decreased access to food stores. Inclusion of urban planning factors in multivariate models, particularly housing and transportation considerations, explained much of the relation between area income and food store access, and were significant predictors of food store availability and proximity. Public health research and practice addressing food availability would benefit by incorporating theoretical perspectives from urban planning theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study used archival data from three different research groups and case file data from three independent community organizations to explore how well research samples reflect cases of hoarding that come to community attention. Using data from 824 individuals with hoarding, we found that research volunteers differ from community clients in several ways: community clients are older, more likely to be male and less likely to be partnered; they have lower socio-economic status and are less likely to demonstrate good or fair insight regarding hoarding severity and consequences. The homes of community clients had greater clutter volume and were more likely to have problematic conditions in the home, including squalor and fire hazards or fire safety concerns. Clutter volume was a strong predictor of these conditions in the home, but demographic variables were not. Even after accounting for the influence of clutter volume, the homes of community-based clients were more likely to have squalor. These findings suggest limitations on the generalizability of research samples to hoarding as it is encountered by community agencies. • Research volunteers differ from cases of hoarding that come to community attention. • Community hoarding cases have a different demographic profile from research samples. • Conditions in the home are less severe for research volunteers. • Clutter volume predicts a range of problematic conditions in the home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]