Marilyn J. Bruin

Understanding Constraints and Residential Satisfaction Among Low-Income Single-Parent Families

Housing adjustment models theorize that demographic and personality characteristics of families combine to explain residentfal satisfaction. This article reports the operationalization of several personality characteristics. The Leford Test of Tenant Locus of Control, measures of household planning styles, an index measuring willingness to work to improve residential conditions, an index measuring participation in community activities, measures of expected and of experienced discrimination, and selected demographic characteristics are hypothesized to predict residential satisfaction. Two components of residential satisfaction, housing and neighborhood, are tested in separate regression models. The results suggest that personality characteristics are powerful predictors of housing satisfaction, whereas residental characterstics, feeling safe, and having friends in the neighborhood are powerful predictors of neighborhood satisfaction.

Housing and Neighborhood Assessment Criteria among Black Urban Households.

In much of the previous research on residential evaluation criteria, scholars have neglected to examine possible variations by household type, particularly among black households. In this research, the housing and neighborhood satisfaction of six black household types are reported. The specified model predicted neighborhood somewhat better than housing satisfaction and was more predictive for some household types than for others. Neither the housing and neighborhood satisfaction of couple-headed households nor women alone was particularly well defined. The results highlight the limited housing and neighborhood options of blacks, particularly female-headed families and the elderly, and suggest public policy intervention in urban settings on their behalf.

Housing Assistance and Residential Satisfaction among Single-Parent Women

AbstractThe purpose of this paper was to identify the variables that predict residential satisfaction among non metropolitan and metropolitan single-parent women. A model was tested in which residential satisfaction was divided into two components, housing and neighborhood satisfaction. The role of housing subsidy assistance in attenuating neighborhood and housing problems also was investigated. The model explained 30% of the variance in housing satisfaction among metropolitan single-parent women and 21% for nonmetropolitan respondents. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables differed by location, nonmetropolitan compared to metropolitan. Furthermore, there were some important differences in the bundle of independent variables that were associated with neighborhood compared to housing satisfaction. The findings showed that housing and income assistance played a role, albeit small, in helping to explain neighborhood and housing satisfaction, but only for metropolitan ...

Determinants of housing quality: A comparison of white, African-American, and Hispanic single-parent women

This study examines housing quality among three groups of single-parent women: white, African-American, and Hispanic. Three indicators of housing quality—crowding, affordability, and satisfaction—are used to discover the extent to which these groups experience housing problems. This study also explores differences and similarities in the factors that precipitate problems in housing quality for these three groups of single parents. Findings suggest important differences and similarities in the nature of housing quality problems among white, African-American, and Hispanic single-parent women. The specified variables explained about 20% of the variance in crowding, housing affordability, and housing satisfaction. On measures of objective and subjective housing quality, white single mothers are better housed than their African-American or Hispanic counterparts. Hispanic single mothers have the largest housing cost burden and average more persons per household than the other groups. African-Americans are twice as likely as either group to live in low-quality housing and reported the lowest average satisfaction with their housing.

Beyond Renting and Owning: The Housing Accommodations of Low-Income Families

This mixed-methods study used structured, in-depth interviews to collect data that was analyzed quantitatively as well as qualitatively to explore the long-term housing patterns experienced by low-income families and the ways in which vouchers affect these patterns. Using a life-course theoretical framework and an event history approach, information on past housing, employment, and life circumstances was collected from 30 participants, 17 who had a voucher and 13 on the waiting list to receive one. The low-income families in the study moved frequently, through rental housing, homeless shelters, and living with family and friends. After receiving a voucher, families lived independently in rental housing and had greater housing stability. This research offers a framework for understanding the complex residential mobility patterns of low-income families, which includes the use of informal and formal housing assistance. The findings highlight the high level of housing insecurity experienced by low-income people and emphasize the important role that Housing Choice Vouchers play in helping families with serious housing problems.

Functional Ability, Neighborhood Resources and Housing Satisfaction among Older Adults in the U.S.

The purpose of this study was to explore neighborhood resources that influence the housing satisfaction of older adults. The study included 10,146 participants from the 2009 panel of the American Housing Survey who were 65 years and older. Hierarchical regression modeling was performed to examine older adults’ perceptions of neighborhood resources and consequently the role these resources play in predicting housing satisfaction among community dwelling and residents of assisted living, controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, education, and housing maintenance. In addition, three levels of physical functioning among residents of assisted living were examined. Results showed that there were differences in housing satisfaction by residences and levels of physical functioning. Subjective evaluations of neighborhoods and the near surrounds were significant predictors of housing satisfaction. Results of the study suggest that policy makers and housing professionals need to continue to consider the role of supportive neighborhoods and social environments in promoting successful aging particularly for frail older adults.

What patients and members of their support networks ask about transplant program data

Transplant patients often seek specific data and statistics to inform medical decision making; however, for many relevant measures, patient‐friendly information is not available. Development of patient‐centered resources should be informed by patient needs. This study used qualitative document research methods to review 678 detailed Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) entries and summary counts of 55 362 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) entries to provide a better understanding of what was asked and what requests were most common. Incoming call and email logs maintained by SRTR and UNOS were reviewed for 2010‐2015. Patients sought a wide range of information about outcomes, waiting times, program volumes, and willingness to perform transplants in candidates with specific diseases or demographics. Patients and members of their support networks requested explanation of complex information, such as actual‐vs‐expected outcomes, and of general transplant processes, such as registering on the waiting list or becoming a living donor. They sought transplant program data from SRTR and UNOS, but encountered gaps in the information they wanted and occasionally struggled to interpret some data. These findings were used to identify potential gaps in providing program‐specific data and to enhance the SRTR website (www.srtr.org) with more patient‐friendly information.

Local housing and service decisions: Planning for aging adults in rural communities

Abstract The purpose of this research was to identify factors associated with local housing and service decisions that support aging adults in rural communities. These decisions represent de factostrategies that affect the quality of life of older residents and their ability to age in place. Data were collected from 951 informants in 134 Midwest rural communities. Analyses were undertaken to identify the role of community characteristics in predicting the availability of a group of housing options and support services. Findings support the notion that the community context is important to the delivery of key housing and service needs. Population size, proportion of community residents 65 years and older, and housing planning processes promoted gains in housing and services.

Smart Housing: An Intelligent Environment for Aging Independently

The purpose of The Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future project was to demonstrate how good design, assistive technology, and well-planned community amenities, support independent living as well as increase usability across the lifespan. We used a variety of strategies to share information on smart design to Baby Boomers. A 1,300 square foot exhibition, designed as a home, allowed visitors to tryout assistive technology and observe structural innovations. Workshops explored innovative design for (a) consumers and caregivers; (b) developers, remodelers, contractors, and designers; and, (c) community planners and policy makers. A Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future website provides free, downloadable activities and information to Baby Boomers and encourage community conversations. The paper describes various aspects of the project and summarizes participants’ reactions to the content; the paper also explores implications for designers and planners interested in creating intelligent environments. The project inspired participants to think about strategies for improving the built environment. Multiple outreach formats, an interactive exhibition, workshops, and an interactive website, helped us to reach the Baby Boomer cohort.

The importance of transplant program measures: Surveys of 3 national patient advocacy groups

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) provides federally mandated program‐specific transplant data to the public. Currently, there is little understanding of how different program measures are prioritized by patients in selecting a program for transplantation. This study recruited 479 transplant advocacy group members from mailing lists and social media of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), transplant families (TF), and Transplant Recipient International Organization (TRIO). Survey participants identified how many different programs would be reasonable to consider and viewed four measures that have recently been displayed on SRTR public search result websites and six measures not recently displayed and indicated importance on a 5‐point scale. Four hundred two completed the survey (TF = 26; TRIO = 34; NKF = 342). Seventy‐eight percent indicated that considering more than one program would be reasonable. Linear mixed models adjusted for organization, education, and gender. Likert scores for pretransplant (transplant rate) and transplant volume measures were similar and were very or extremely important to over 80% of participants. Posttransplant (survival after transplant) was rated as 0.52 points higher, confidence interval (0.41, 0.64). Results indicate that many patient advocacy group members find a choice between two or more programs reasonable and value multiple measures when assessing programs where they may want to undergo transplantation.