A study from the University of Houston will examine the impact of housing instability on mental health in Fort Bend County. A partnership between UH, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services and PolicyMap, a data and analytics company, received more than $500,000 from the AIM-AHEAD Consortium, a National Institutes of Health-funded organization.

“Specifically, we want to understand how unstable housing conditions impact mental health and then how individuals might choose to use or not use social services that are available to them in Fort Bend County,” said Jeronimo Cortina, associate professor and principal investigator for the study. “This support allows us to embark on a collaborative journey to elevate the quality of life for residents of Fort Bend County.”

Based at UH at Sugar Land, an instructional site of the University of Houston, the one-year study will employ machine learning and other cutting-edge mapping techniques to examine how a range of housing-related issues might disrupt the ability to find affordable, safe and stable housing. The research also will examine the ripple effects of these disruptions on mental health outcomes.

Research shows healthcare contributes only 20% to an individual's overall health, with genetic factors making up 10%. The remaining 70% is influenced by socioeconomic conditions, behaviors and environmental factors. Studies such as this aim to improve the health outcomes of communities by reducing health disparities and enhancing overall health equity. This approach involves collaboration between public health agencies, community organizations and policymakers to address the complex interconnections between lifestyle, environment and healthcare.

“This information will assist governments and entities such as the Fort Bend Health and Human Services department to be more effective and efficient as they help vulnerable communities,” Cortina said. “The information also could be instrumental as leaders craft policy relating to these issues.”

Informing local public policy by building research and partnering to foster knowledge enables more evidence-based decisions that can enhance the well-being of the community. The goal, Cortina said, is to produce actionable research that brings the University to the community and the community to the University.

“Our charge in Fort Bend County is to be part of the growth and success of the region,” said Jay Neal, associate vice president, academic affairs, and chief operating officer of UH at Sugar Land. “This partnership between UH, Fort Bend and PolicyMap will be a critical resource to ensure all aspects of our lives lead to positive outcomes and resilient communities.”

AIM-AHEAD Public-Private Partnership enhances local health departments’ capabilities to improve population health. By partnering with academic researchers and private companies, these health departments can utilize data-driven insights to develop more efficient population health strategies.

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