Disparities of indoor temperature in winter: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Nationwide Smart Wellness Housing Survey in Japan. (6th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Umishio, Wataru; Ikaga, Toshiharu; Fujino, Yoshihisa; Ando, Shintaro; Kubo, Tatsuhiko; Nakajima, Yukie; Hoshi, Tanji; Suzuki, Masaru; Kario, Kazuomi; Yoshimura, Takesumi; Yoshino, Hiroshi; Murakami, Shuzo
• Is Part Of: Indoor air. Volume 30:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1317
• Page End: 1328
• Publication Date: 2020-07-06
• Subjects: cross‐sectional analysis -- health disparity -- housing -- indoor temperature -- socioeconomic status -- winter; Indoor air pollution -- Periodicals; Sick building syndrome -- Periodicals; Ventilation -- Periodicals; 613.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ina.12708
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6947

Abstract

Abstract: The WHO Housing and health guidelines recommend a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C to prevent cold‐related diseases. In Japan, indoor temperatures appear lower than in Euro‐American countries because of low insulation standards and use of partial intermittent heating. This study investigated the actual status of indoor temperatures in Japan and the common characteristics of residents who live in cold homes. We conducted a nationwide real‐world survey on indoor temperature for 2 weeks in winter. Cross‐sectional analyses involving 2190 houses showed that average living room, changing room, and bedroom temperatures were 16.8°C, 13.0°C, and 12.8°C, respectively. Comparison of average living room temperature between prefectures revealed a maximum difference of 6.7°C (Hokkaido: 19.8°C, Kagawa: 13.1°C). Compared to the high‐income group, the odds ratio for living room temperature falling below 18°C was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.04‐1.84) and 2.07 (95% CI: 1.28‐3.33) for the middle‐ and low‐income groups. The odds ratio was 1.96 (95% CI: 1.19‐3.22) for single‐person households, compared to households living with housemates. Furthermore, lower room temperature was correlated with local heating device use and a larger amount of clothes. These results will be useful in the development of prevention strategies for residents who live in cold homes.