A Health Picture of 

HUD-Assisted Adults, 

2006–2012

HUD Administrative Data Linked With the National Health Interview Survey

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Office of Policy Development and Research 
A Health Picture of HUDAssisted Adults, 2006–2012 

HUD Administrative Data Linked With the National Health Interview Survey

Veronica E. Helms

Jon Sperling

Barry L. Steffen

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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DISCLAIMER 

The contents of this report represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or 

policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the U.S. government.
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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CONTENTS 

Executive Summary............................................................................................................................. v 

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 

HUD-NCHS Data Linkage Sources ...................................................................................................... 3 

National Health Interview Survey .................................................................................................... 3 

HUD Administrative Data ................................................................................................................ 3 

Adult Groups Examined ...................................................................................................................... 4 

HUD-Assisted Adults......................................................................................................................... 4 

Unassisted Low-Income Renters...................................................................................................... 4 

General Adult Population................................................................................................................. 4 

Methods.............................................................................................................................................. 5 

Data Linkage ..................................................................................................................................... 5 

Statistical Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 5 

Sociodemographic Characteristics...................................................................................................... 6 

Age at Interview ............................................................................................................................... 6 

Elderly in Household......................................................................................................................... 6 

Sex..................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Family Type....................................................................................................................................... 7 

Marital Status ................................................................................................................................... 7 

Ratio of Family Income to Poverty Threshold.................................................................................. 8 

Race and Ethnicity ............................................................................................................................ 8 

Region............................................................................................................................................... 9 

Metropolitan Classification .............................................................................................................. 9 

Work Status, Past 12 Months.........................................................................................................10

Educational Attainment .................................................................................................................11

Homelessness or Incarceration .....................................................................................................11

Summary of Sociodemographic Characteristics ...........................................................................12

General Health Status.......................................................................................................................13

Self-Reported Health Status...........................................................................................................13

Emergency Room Visits..................................................................................................................13

Weight Classification Based on BMI...............................................................................................14

Disability Measures .......................................................................................................................15

Summary of General Health Status................................................................................................16

Health Conditions and Diagnoses.....................................................................................................17

Hypertension ..................................................................................................................................17

Heart Disease..................................................................................................................................17

Stroke..............................................................................................................................................18

Cancer ............................................................................................................................................18

Liver Conditions..............................................................................................................................19

Kidney Condition ............................................................................................................................19

Diabetes .........................................................................................................................................19

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease........................................................................................20

Current Asthma .............................................................................................................................21

Complete Tooth Loss......................................................................................................................21

Summary of Physical Health Conditions ........................................................................................22

 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Mental Health Measures .................................................................................................................23

Serious Psychological Distress........................................................................................................23

Distress With Mental Hardship ......................................................................................................23

Summary of Mental Health Indicators...........................................................................................24

Productivity Loss Due to Illness or Injury .........................................................................................25

Bed Days, Past 12 Months..............................................................................................................25

Lost Work Days, Past 12 Months ..................................................................................................25

Summary of Productivity Indicators ..............................................................................................26

Healthcare Utilization and Access ....................................................................................................27

Health Insurance Coverage ............................................................................................................27

General Doctor Visits......................................................................................................................27

Specialist Visits ...............................................................................................................................28

Mental Health Professional Visits ..................................................................................................29

Dental Visits....................................................................................................................................29

Receipt of Home Health Care.........................................................................................................30

Unmet Needs for Health Care........................................................................................................ 30 

No Usual Source of Care.................................................................................................................31

Usual Source of Care Is a Doctor’s Office or Health Maintenance Organization..........................32

Usual Source of Care Is a Clinic or Health Center..........................................................................32

Usual Source of Care Reported as the Emergency Room..............................................................33

Summary of Healthcare Utilization and Access.............................................................................34

Health Behaviors...............................................................................................................................35

Cigarette Smoking ..........................................................................................................................35

Heavy Alcohol Use..........................................................................................................................35

Physical Activity ..............................................................................................................................36

Summary of Health Behaviors........................................................................................................37

Conclusion .........................................................................................................................................38

References.........................................................................................................................................39

Appendix ...........................................................................................................................................41
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Executive Summary 

Although housing is a key social determinant of health, knowledge and understanding of the health of the 

nation’s assisted housing population is based almost exclusively on case studies and anecdotal information.1

Through a recent interagency effort between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National 

Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National 

Health Interview Survey (NHIS) responses were linked with HUD’s administrative data for rental assistance 

programs. This landmark collaboration enables, for the first time, reliable estimates of the prevalence of 

health conditions and healthcare utilization among HUD-assisted adults at a national level (Sperling and

Helms, 2016). 

HUD provides rental housing assistance to approximately 5 million households and 10 million low-income 

individuals. This report presents a broad overview of health characteristics of the HUD-assisted adult 

population using descriptive statistics based on numerous NHIS variables. The estimates and figures

establish a preliminary baseline that can better inform policymakers and stimulate further research into the

connection between housing and health. This report also provides context by presenting estimates for two 

other groups: (1) low-income adult renters who do not receive HUD housing assistance and (2) the general 

adult population.

Initial findings confirm and challenge various assumptions about the health of HUD-assisted adults. Most 

HUD-assisted adults were female, resided in households with family incomes below the federal poverty 

threshold, 2 lived in metropolitan areas, and had limited educational attainment. Overall, the comparison 

sample of adult unassisted low-income renters was younger than the sample of HUD-assisted adults. 

Most adults in the general population had incomes exceeding twice the federal poverty threshold and

had higher educational attainment and workforce participation than the other two groups. 

General Health Status

More than one-third of HUD-assisted adults reported their health as either fair or poor, a

proportion considerably higher than that reported among unassisted low-income renters and the 

general adult population. Additionally, HUD-assisted tenants reported the highest rate of “utilizing 

the emergency room two or more times during the prior 12 months.” The majority of HUD-assisted 

adults were overweight or obese and more than one-half of them lived with a disability at the time 

of their health interview. 

Health Conditions and Diagnoses

This report explored 10 health conditions and diagnoses. Relative to unassisted low-income 

renters and the general adult population, HUD-assisted adults reported greater prevalence for 

all 10 health conditions and diagnoses, including serious chronic ailments such as heart disease, 

diabetes, and asthma. 

 

1 For some exceptions, see Ahrens et al. (2016) and Fenelon et al. (in press). 2

 Poverty thresholds from the U.S. Census Bureau are used to calculate this ratio. 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Mental Health and Productivity Lost

HUD-assisted adult tenants faced higher rates of serious psychological distress and distress with 

mental hardship than did unassisted low-income renters and the general adult population. HUD 

tenants also faced higher rates of productivity loss due to injury or illness.

Healthcare Utilization and Access

HUD-assisted renters reported higher rates of healthcare access and utilization than unassisted lowincome renters on several indicators. For example, the majority of HUD-assisted adults reported 

having public health insurance. A relatively small proportion of HUD tenants reported lacking a usual 

source of care, and a large percentage reported having access to doctors, Health Maintenance 

Organizations, and health clinics. On the other hand, HUD tenants and their unassisted low-income 

counterparts reported similarly high rates of unmet healthcare needs due to cost. 

Health Behaviors

This report explored three health behaviors: cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, and physical 

activity. Relative to the other adult groups examined, unassisted low-income renters displayed 

the least healthy behaviors for two indicators, cigarette smoking and heavy drinking. HUDassisted renters had the least healthy behavior for one outcome, with low levels of physical activity, 

and the most healthy behavior for another outcome, with the lowest rate of heavy alcohol use. 

Additionally, cigarette smoking prevalence was similar among HUD-assisted adults and 

unassisted, low-income renters; approximately one-third of adults reported current smoking at 

the time of their health interview.

The report confirms that HUD-assisted adults constitute a unique population. HUD-assisted adults face 

high rates of chronic health conditions and are higher utilizers of healthcare systems. These preliminary 

findings also underscore the value of additional research (addressing age-adjusted health disparities and

controlling for causal factors) to better understand the connection between federal housing assistance 

and population health.
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Introduction 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides rental housing assistance to 

approximately 5 million households and 10 million low-income individuals. HUD’s three major rental 

subsidy program types are public housing, housing choice vouchers (HCVs),

3 and multifamily housing.4

Public housing and HCVs are administered by state and local public housing agencies (PHAs), while 

assisted multifamily programs are administered by private building owners who contract directly with 

HUD to make units available at subsidized rents.

For all three housing assistance program types, housing providers verify income eligibility of subsidized 

renters and submit tenant data to HUD, which sets the level of tenant rent contributions. Most tenants 

have incomes substantially below 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI)5 upon admission. Tenant rent 

contributions generally equal about 30 percent of income, although HCV tenants are allowed to rent units 

requiring a greater proportion of income. By convention, 30 percent of income is considered the upper 

limit of “affordable” housing costs. HUD classifies housing costs between 30 and 50 percent of income as 

moderate cost burdens, and housing costs exceeding 50 percent of income as severe housing cost 

burdens (Steffen et al., 2015). 

The prevalence of severe housing cost burdens has increased dramatically since 2000, increasing from 19

percent of renters in 2001 to 24 percent in 2013. In 2013, 7.7 million very low income renter households 

lacked housing assistance and faced severe cost burdens, severely inadequate housing units, or both 

(Steffen et al., 2015).6 Severe cost burdens leave little discretionary income for critical nonhousing needs 

such as health care. Housing cost burdens are thus a major reason for considering housing as a social 

determinant of health (SDOH). 

Recognizing the need to gain a better understanding of social causes of morbidity and mortality, the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services recently added SDOH as a core focus area in Healthy People 

2020 (HP2020). The HP2020 program establishes a set of nationwide health-promotion and diseaseprevention goals to be achieved by the year 2020. One-third of SDOH data performance objectives 

measure poverty, housing cost burden, or both, further indicating the need to prioritize housing as a key 

SDOH (HP2020, 2016).7

In a market economy, obtaining affordable rents may require some families to accept inadequate housing

and live in hazardous neighborhoods. Physically inadequate units pose health risks through such 

conditions as pest infestations, deteriorated asbestos, lead hazards, dampness and mold that trigger 

asthma, inadequate ventilation and temperature control, and crowded conditions that spread infectious 

 

3 HCVs are also known as tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA). 4 Historically, multifamily programs have also been referred to as project-based rental assistance (PBRA). 5 AMI is the income of the median (middle) household in an area when the households are sorted by income. HUD’s 

calculations of AMI are based on metropolitan areas, as identified by the Census Bureau, and on nonmetropolitan 

areas of each state. 6 The term very low income refers to incomes of no more than 50 percent of AMI, with adjustments for family size. 

The definitions of low income, very low income, and extremely low income are outlined in the United States Housing 

Act of 1937, as amended. See statutory language at 42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(A)(B)(C) and technical documentation at 

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il//il16/IncomeLimitsBriefingMaterial-FY16.pdf. 7 As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services develops the Healthy People 2030 plan, it is considering 

whether to include housing as a key SDOH in terms of physical, social, and economic environments that strengthen 

the potential to achieve optimal health and well-being. 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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disease. All of these conditions, along with high-crime and low-amenity neighborhoods, can also threaten 

mental health (Evans, Wells, and Moch, 2003; Fisk, Eliseeva, and Mendell, 2010; Krieger and Higgins, 

2002).

 

Public housing programs and assisted housing programs offer higher quality housing at rents that many 

low-income households could not otherwise afford. Greater affordability improves housing stability and

offers a critical support in the lives of disadvantaged households, freeing up household resources for 

better nutrition and health care (Kushel et al., 2006; Ma, Gee, and Kushel, 2008; Pollack, Griffin, and 

Lynch, 2010). The extent to which public and assisted housing contributes to tenant health, however, is 

not well understood. A major complication in assessing how housing impacts health is the preferential or 

otherwise selective admission that housing providers may offer to less healthy individuals and 

households. Such tenants may be poorer or older, may have disabilities, or may have been homeless. 

Another potential mechanism of selection is that individuals with extremely low household incomes and 

fewer housing options may be more likely to remain on lengthy waiting lists until admission. 

Descriptive statistics in this report are intended to provide new insights into the link between subsidized 

housing and health. This brief overview of selected health conditions is intended to inspire more focused 

research using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)-HUD data linkage. Health status and 

healthcare utilization variables for HUD-subsidized adult renters are summarized side by side with the 

same variables for unsubsidized adult renters with incomes below the federal poverty line and all adults 

in the general population. Making precise comparisons and identifying statistically significant differences 

between the presented populations and selection into HUD-assisted housing requires additional research.

It is clear, however, that ongoing research efforts will lead to more rigorous and detailed findings about 

the relationship between housing assistance programs and population health. 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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HUD-NCHS Data Linkage Sources

In collaboration with HUD, the NCHS linked longitudinal HUD administrative data with two cross-sectional 

health interview surveys across a 14-year period (1999 to 2012): the National Health Interview Survey 

(NHIS) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).8 This report focuses on 

prevalence estimates produced from HUD-NHIS linked data from 2006 to 2012. A separate, forthcoming 

report will examine HUD-NHANES linked data. 

National Health Interview Survey 

The NHIS9 is an annual cross-sectional interview survey of approximately 35,000 households (90,000 

participants). NHIS is designed to monitor the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population by 

collecting data on a broad range of health topics. The sampling plan follows a multistage area probability 

design that permits the representative sampling of households and noninstitutionalized group quarters. 

The Core NHIS questionnaire contains four major components. The Household component collects 

limited demographic information for all individuals living in a housing unit. The Family component collects 

and verifies additional demographic information on each member in the housing unit and collects data on

topics including health status, injuries, healthcare access and utilization, and health insurance. From each 

family, NCHS randomly selects one sample adult and one sample child (if any children are present) for an 

interview using the Sample Adult Core and the Sample Child Core components. This report largely focuses 

on information collected from the Sample Adult Core component. 

HUD Administrative Data 

HUD-affiliated housing providers collect administrative data on families participating in HUD assistance 

programs and transmit these data to HUD. Information collected includes

• Dates of enrollment, income recertification, and end of participation

• Name of each person living in the housing unit, and personal attributes including sex, race, Social 

Security Number (SSN), date of birth, and relationship to the head of household

• Family characteristics that might qualify the family for tenant selection preferences

• Detailed income and assets information for all household members

• Anticipated family income for the next 12 months and sources of that income

• Geographic information for assisted units 

The forms used to collect HUD administrative data are forms HUD–50058,

10 HUD–50058 MTW,11 and 

HUD–50059.

12 The data are stored in two databases: the Public and Indian Housing Information Center 

and the Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System.

13 

 

8 The NCHS-HUD linked data website contains more information about this linked product, including data documentation, 

public-use feasibility files, and analytic guidelines. For specific questions, please email NCHS_HUD_DataLinkage@hud.gov. 9 For more information on the NHIS, visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm. 10 Administrative Form HUD–50058, the “Family Report,” is used to collect data on the people who participate in the HCV 

and public housing programs. Available at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=HUD50058.pdf. 11 PHAs participating in the Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration have fewer data requirements. Form HUD–

50058 MTW (“MTW Family Report”) is used only by PHAs participating in MTW. Available at 

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_10236.pdf. 12 Administrative Form HUD–50059, titled “Owners Certification of Compliance with HUD’s Tenant Eligibility and 

Rent Procedures,” is used to collect data on the people who participate in multifamily programs. Available at 

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=50059.pdf. 13 For more information about HUD data systems, please consult (NCHS, 2016a).
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Adult Groups Examined 

We examined sociodemographic characteristics and health outcomes among three groups of adults ages 

18 or older, defined by income and status of HUD assistance during the years 2006 to 2012. This report 

focuses on HUD-assisted adults, with the other two groups providing useful context. The three adult 

groups were defined as follows. 

HUD-Assisted Adults 

The primary group of interest for this study comprises linkage-eligible14 sample adults who linked with 

HUD administrative data and received HUD housing assistance at the time of health interviews during 

NHIS survey years 2006 to 2012.15 Adults in this category received one of three types of rental assistance: 

housing choice vouchers,

16 public housing, or multifamily housing. A forthcoming report will describe 

prevalence estimates using the NHIS-HUD linked data by type of HUD assistance. 

 

Unassisted Low-Income Renters 

A second group, defined for comparison purposes, comprises linkage-eligible sample adults who lived in 

unassisted rental units, did not link with HUD administrative data for the relevant years, and had incomes 

below the federal poverty threshold .17 Renter status is based on NHIS responses, and individuals assisted 

by HUD at the time of interview are excluded from the comparison group. Adults in this group are likely 

eligible to receive housing assistance but are unassisted either because they did not apply for assistance 

or did apply but were not admitted because of limited public resources.

18 

General Adult Population 

A final group that provides context for health outcomes comprises all linkage-eligible sample adults from 

NHIS survey cycles 2006 to 2012. Adults in this group represent the general adult population without 

regard to income, housing tenure, or housing assistance status.

 

14 Approximately 55 percent of NHIS survey participants were linkage-eligible during NHIS survey years 2006–2012.

Details describing linkage eligibility criteria and linkage processes are described in Lloyd et al. (forthcoming) and 

Lloyd and Helms (2016). Linkage eligibility is also briefly described in this report (see Methods section, page 5). 15 Receipt of HUD assistance for NHIS participants was determined using the standard NCHS concurrency variables, 

which are based on the survey date being preceded and followed by HUD administrative records that are not more 

than 425 days apart, or 790 days apart for MTW agencies. See Lloyd and Helms, 2016, p. 26–28. 16 The homeownership program and the moderate rehabilitation single-room occupancy program, both included in 

the HCV program category, have trivial effects on estimates. 

17 In this report, low-income is used generically to mean incomes below the federal poverty threshold—incomes that 

are comparable with the incomes of the majority of HUD-assisted renters. The term neither means nor aligns with 

the substantially greater threshold of 80 percent of AMI that HUD uses to define which families are “low-income” 

for purposes of program administration.

18 Only 25 percent of those eligible receive housing assistance. For more information regarding unmet housing 

needs, consult Steffen et al. (2015). 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Methods 

Data Linkage 

NHIS participant data were linked to administrative records on individuals from HUD’s largest housing 

assistance programs by using SSN, name, gender, and date of birth to identify HUD-assisted adults who 

were also NHIS respondents. Based on assurances and procedures to ensure confidentiality and privacy, 

the NCHS Research Ethics Review Board and HUD’s legal staff approved the data linkage. 

The NCHS-HUD linkage was primarily a deterministic, rules-based process. The NHIS questionnaire, 

implemented since 1997, has Core questions and Supplements. From each family in the NHIS, one 

sample adult is randomly selected and information on each is collected with the Sample Adult 

component. During survey years 2006 to 2012, approximately 191,000 sample adults were surveyed. 

Among survey participants, approximately 55 percent of sample adults met all of the following linkage 

eligibility criteria: they provided sufficient personal identifying information, provided linkage consent, and 

did not refuse to answer a question about housing assistance status. During survey years 2006 to 2012, 

approximately 5,222 adults were linkage-eligible and received housing assistance at the time of their 

interview (NCHS, 2016b). 

Statistical Analysis 

Data analysis was performed using SAS software, version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), and SAS-callable 

SUDAAN, version 9.0 (RTI, Research Triangle Park, NC). NHIS sample weights, which account for 

nonresponse and for unequal probabilities of selection, were adjusted to account for linkage eligibility. 

Weighted percentages were based on the linkage eligibility-adjusted sample weights, and standard errors 

of the percentages were estimated accounting for the complex survey sampling design (NCHS, 2012). 

Multiple imputation methods enabled the ratio of family income to the poverty threshold to be estimated 

without omitting cases that lack complete income data (NCHS, 2013).

19

This report primarily uses data from the Sample Adult Core component of NHIS. Throughout this report, 

weighted percentages of demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics among adults in the 

three groups are presented. Estimates of standard errors are provided in appendix tables. Data were 

pooled across 7 survey years (2006 to 2012) to ensure a sufficient sample for statistically valid estimates.

To avoid biasing prevalence estimates, the data are not age adjusted, so comparisons of reported health 

conditions across the three groups may be influenced by different within-group age distributions. 

We emphasize that the purpose of this report is to provide a broad descriptive summary of health 

characteristics of HUD-assisted adult renters. This purpose is distinct from testing narrow, theory-guided 

hypotheses about causal associations between assisted housing and health outcomes. 

 

19 Since the 1997 NHIS, poverty ratio intervals have been provided on the NHIS public use data files. The poverty 

ratio is a ratio of the family’s income to the appropriate federal poverty threshold. Published poverty thresholds 

from the Census Bureau are used to calculate this ratio. 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Sociodemographic Characteristics 

Individual-level and household-level characteristics were examined among HUD-assisted adults, 

unassisted low-income renters, and the general adult population. Table A-1, “Demographic and 

Socioeconomic Characteristics of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and LowIncome Status,” contains weighted percentages and standard error estimates for each of the three 

groups examined.

20 In this section, 12 sociodemographic characteristics are examined. 

Age at Interview 

The following four age categories were utilized for analysis: 18–24 years, 25–44, 45–61, and 62 and older. 

The 18-to-24 cohort represents young adults, 25-to-44 represents working-age adults of reproductive 

age, and 45-to-61 represents middle-aged working adults past reproductive age. The 62 and older 

grouping was used to capture elderly individuals (HUD generally defines elderly as 62 or older). 

The HUD-assisted adult population had a substantially higher proportion (24.2 percent) of adults aged 

62 and older than did the unassisted low-income renter group (8.5 percent; figure 1). The elderly share of 

the HUD population was also greater than that of the general population (20.9 percent). The percentage of 

adults aged 25 to 44 was similar among all three groups. Among all three groups, unassisted low-income

renters had the highest percentage (34.6 percent) of adults aged 18 to 24. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Elderly in Household 

Approximately 22.7 percent of HUD-assisted adults resided in households with adults aged 65 and older 

(table A-1). In the general adult population, about the same proportion of adults, 22.2 percent, resided in 

households with elderly persons. In contrast, a small percentage of unassisted low-income renters, 8.1 

percent, resided in households with elderly adults. 

 

20 Due to rounding, not all reported percentages precisely equal 100.0 percent. 

16.2

34.6

13.2

34.5

37.9

35.4

25.1

19.0

30.4

24.2

8.5

20.9

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 1: Distribution of Age Categories by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

18-24 25-44 45-61 62+
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Sex 

Consistent with HUD populations described in previous research, most (73.8 percent) HUD-assisted adults 

in the linked sample were women (table A-1).21 In comparison, the sex ratio is more balanced among 

unassisted low-income renters and the general adult population. Slightly more than one-half (56.2

percent) of unassisted low-income renters were women, similar to the 51.7 percent observed among the 

general adult population. 

Family Type 

Family type varied across the three adult groups (figure 2). Most adults in the general population resided 

in households with multiple adults and no children (43.7 percent) or with multiple adults and one or more

children (32.9 percent). Among both HUD-assisted adults and unassisted low-income renters, most adults 

reported residing in one-adult households with no children. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Marital Status 

Most HUD-assisted adults were either never married (42.4 percent) or were widowed, divorced, or 

separated (38.6 percent; figure 3). Relative to unassisted low-income renters, HUD-assisted adults were 

less likely to be married or living with a partner, and more likely to be widowed, divorced, or separated. 

Over one-half (53.6 percent) of the general adult population was married, in contrast with the lowincome groups presented. Such differences reflect the well-known association between female-headed 

households and poverty, and the predomination of females in assisted housing. 

 

21 HUD’s Picture of Subsidized Households reports that 77 percent of assisted households in 2012 were headed by a 

female. huduser.gov/portal/datasets/picture/yearlydata.html. 

38.1

38.1

19.5

15.5

16.9

43.7

24.9

11.8

3.9

21.5

33.2

32.9

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 2: Distribution of Family Type by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

One adult, no child(ren) under 18 Multiple adults, no child(ren) under 18

One adult, 1+ child(ren) under 18 Multiple adults, 1+ child(ren) under 18
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 8

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Ratio of Family Income to Poverty Threshold 

The majority (65.1 percent) of HUD-assisted adults had incomes below the federal poverty threshold

(table A-1). One of the three criteria defining the unassisted low-income renter population is income 

below the federal poverty threshold, so all adults in that group had incomes below the threshold. Among 

the general population, in contrast, more than two-thirds of adults (67.9 percent) had family incomes 

exceeding twice the federal poverty threshold (200 percent or more).

Race and Ethnicity 

Due to potential sample size limitations, race and ethnicity variables were recoded into four broad 

categories: Hispanic, non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic other. The racial and 

ethnic makeup of the HUD-assisted and unassisted low-income renter populations differ from the general 

adult population (figure 4). 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

14.9

23.6

53.6

38.6

21.1

18.0

42.4

43.6

21.1

4.1

11.7

7.4

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 3: Distribution of Marital Status by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Married Widowed, Divorced, or Separated Never Married Living with Partner

19.0

21.2

13.8

38.3

49.9

68.8

38.7

21.9

11.8

4.0

7.1

5.6

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 4: Distribution of Race and Ethnicity by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Hispanic Non-Hispanic White Non-Hispanic Black Non-Hispanic Other
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Among HUD-assisted adults, the majority were non-Hispanic Black (38.7 percent) or non-Hispanic White 

(38.3 percent). Relatively few assisted adults (4.0 percent) identified as non-Hispanic other. About onehalf of unassisted low-income renter adults were non-Hispanic White (49.9 percent), with non-Hispanic 

Black and Hispanic individuals balanced in smaller yet sizable shares. The general adult population is less 

diverse, with 68.8 percent non-Hispanic White. Such differences between the HUD-assisted and 

unassisted low-income renters, on the one hand, and the general adult population, on the other, reflect 

the persistent association between poverty and minority status in the United States. 

Region 

When examining region among the three adult groups, low-income renters were similar to the general 

adult population (figure 5). Among HUD-assisted adults, similar percentages resided in the Northeast 

(23.4 percent) and the Midwest (27.9 percent). The South is home to 32.4 percent of HUD-assisted 

adults, and only 16.2 percent of HUD-assisted adults resided in the West. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Metropolitan Classification 

An urban-rural classification schema developed by NCHS was used to examine urban-rural differences 

across groups. The measure defines U.S. counties and county-equivalent entities to one of six 

categories.

22 The 2006 version used in this report is based on the 2000 Census and the Office of 

Management and Budget’s 2005 delineation of metropolitan statistical areas and micropolitan statistical 

areas.

23 The most urban category consists of “central” counties of large metropolitan areas while the 

most rural category consists of nonmetropolitan “noncore” counties. 

 

22 For more information about urbanization level classification, visit 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data_access/urban_rural.htm. 23 For more information about 2005 statistical areas, visit 

http://www.census.gov/population/metro/data/pastmetro.html. 

23.4

15.1

15.6

27.9

25.0

26.0

32.4

39.1

37.3

16.2

20.8

21.0

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 5: Distribution of Region by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Northeast Midwest South West
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 10

The majority of HUD-assisted adults resided in large central metropolitan counties (36.0 percent), large 

fringe metropolitan counties (14.7 percent), or medium metropolitan counties (22.0 percent; figure 6). 

The urban-rural distribution was similar across the three adult groups except that, relative to the general 

population, greater proportions of HUD-assisted and low-income renter adults were concentrated in the 

largest central metropolitan areas. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Work Status During Past 12 Months 

NHIS survey participants were asked about their work status during the prior 12 months. Adults who 

reported they had never worked during this period were considered to be nonworking. The majority 

(61.4 percent) of HUD-assisted adults were nonworking (figure 7). In contrast, among the general adult

population, the majority (70.0 percent) reported working during the past 12 months. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

36.0

33.5

26.0

14.7

13.6

22.9

22.0

22.3

22.2

10.6

12.4

11.1

11.4

11.5

10.5

5.4

6.5

7.3

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 6: Distribution of Metropolitan Classification by Adult Subgroup, 2006-

2012

Large Central Metro Large Fringe Metro Medium Metro

Small Metro Micropolitan Noncore

38.6

58.9

70.0

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 7: Percentage of Working Adults 

During the Past Year by Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 11

Unassisted low-income renters were somewhat more similar to the general adult population, with 58.9 

percent working in the past 12 months. It is likely that the greater proportion of elderly and disabled 

adults in the HUD population and the greater proportion of young adults in the unassisted low-income 

renter population account for some of the differences in work participation. Additionally, having housing 

assistance could potentially discourage participation in the workforce. 

Educational Attainment 

The linked NHIS data shed light on educational attainment levels among HUD-assisted adults and 

comparison groups (figure 8). Similar proportions of all three groups ended their formal education with a 

high school diploma or GED (general educational development) certification. Other educational 

outcomes, however, differ. Among HUD-assisted adults, 35.2 percent did not complete high school, likely 

due in part to the greater proportion of elderly individuals with limited formal education (data not 

shown). Unassisted low-income renters, although slightly better educated, were half as likely as adults in 

general to have completed high school. Over 67 percent of HUD-assisted adults had a high school 

diploma or less, compared with 58 percent of unassisted low-income renters and 42 percent of adults in 

general. Only 4.7 percent of HUD-assisted adults reported a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with 

9.0 percent of unassisted low-income renters and 26.4 percent of the general adult population. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Homelessness or Incarceration 

During NHIS survey years 2006 to 2010, survey participants were asked if they had ever spent more than 

24 hours living on the streets, in a shelter, or in a jail or prison. Among HUD-assisted adults, 15.5 percent

reported experiencing incarceration or homelessness at some point (figure 9). A somewhat larger 

proportion of unassisted adult renters (20.0 percent) and a much smaller percentage of the general adult 

population (6.5 percent) reported experiencing incarceration or homelessness at some point. The 

implications of this indicator for housing assistance and health are unclear because incarceration and 

homeless were combined into one measure. 

 

35.2

29.9

14.4

32.1

28.4

27.3

19.9

26.1

21.1

8.1

6.6

10.7

4.7

9.0

26.4

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 8: Distribution of Educational Attainment by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Did not complete High School High school Graduate or GED

Some College, No Degree Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree or Higher
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 12

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of Sociodemographic Characteristics 

Descriptive statistics revealed key differences across the three adult groups examined. Most HUD-assisted 

adults were female, resided below the federal poverty threshold, lived in metropolitan areas, and had 

limited educational attainment. The unassisted low-income adult renter population was younger than HUDassisted adults, with more than 70 percent younger than 45. Further, relative to HUD-assisted adults, larger 

proportions of unassisted low-income renters were non-Hispanic White, resided in the South, were never 

married, and resided in households with one adult and no children. Stark sociodemographic differences 

were evident between the two low-income groups and the general adult population. Adults in the general 

population had much higher incomes, higher educational attainment, and higher levels of workforce 

participation than adults in the two other groups. 

15.5

20.0

6.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 9: Prevalence of Homelessness or 

Incarceration by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2010
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 13

General Health Status 

We examined individual-level health characteristics among HUD-assisted sample adults and two relevant 

adult groups to provide context. Underlying data for this section are presented in table A-2, “General 

Health Status of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status,” which 

includes weighted percentages and standard error estimates. Self-reported health status, emergency 

room (ER) visits during the past 12 months, weight classification based on body mass index (BMI), and 

disability measures are examined in this section. 

Self-Reported Health Status 

The NHIS asks survey participants to self-rate their general health status, one of the best-known predictors 

of mortality (Jylhä, 2009). The distribution of self-reported health varied across the adult groups (figure 10). 

Among HUD-assisted renters, less than one-third of adults, 31.2 percent, reported their health as excellent 

or good. Substantially larger proportions of individuals reported excellent or good health among the

unassisted low-income adult renters (48.2 percent) and the general adult populations (59.6 percent). HUDassisted adults had the greatest proportion of adults reporting fair or poor health (35.8 percent), more than 

twice the proportion among the general adult population (13.8 percent). 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Emergency Room Visits 

Frequent use of emergency rooms can signal repeated health emergencies or lack of access to a regular 

healthcare provider, including inadequate preventive care or inability to afford out-of-pocket costs of 

office visits. Nearly one-fourth (22.9 percent) of HUD-assisted adults reported two or more ER visits 

during the past 12 months (figure 11). This rate is greater than the 17.8 percent rate among unassisted 

low-income renters, and more than twice the 8.6 percent rate among adults in the general population. 

31.2

48.2

59.6

33

27.7

26.6

35.8

24.1

13.8

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 10: Distribution of Self-Reported Health by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Excellent or Very Good Good Fair or Poor
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 14

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Weight Classification Based on BMI 

NHIS survey participants were asked about their self-reported height and weight, and NCHS used these 

variables to calculate BMI. We then classified BMI into six categories based on weight classifications 

described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).24 It is important to note that selfreported weight measures can be unreliable (Stewart, 1982). The majority of HUD-assisted adults (71 

percent) were overweight or obese (figure 12). Of the three groups, HUD-assisted adults also had the 

highest rates of the two most extreme classes of obesity. As obesity predisposes individuals to diabetes 

and other chronic and costly health problems, HUD-assisted adults represent a population that 

potentially could benefit from targeted weight loss interventions. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

 

24 For more information about obesity and CDC obesity measures, visit 

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/defining.html. 

57.2

64.9

77.3

19.9

17.3

14.1

22.9

17.8

8.6

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 11: Distribution of Emergency Room Visits during the Past 12 Months by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Zero One Two or More

2.5

2.6

1.7

26.7

38

34

29.7

28.5

34.2

21.1

16.6

18

10

7.8

7.3

9.9

6.5

4.9

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 12: Distribution of Weight Classifciation based on BMI by Adult Subgroup, 

2006-2012

Underweight Normal Weight Overweight Obese I Obese II Obese III
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 15

Disability Measures 

Disability is defined in the NHIS data using two conceptual disability models developed by the CDC: basic 

actions difficulty and complex activity limitation. These models are described in CDC literature (Altman 

and Bernstein, 2008). 

Basic actions difficulty captures limitations in an individual’s ability to accomplish tasks needed to 

maintain independence and participate in social activities. NHIS data do not cover the full range of basic 

actions, but some NHIS questions can identify a range of difficulty levels in core areas of movement and 

of sensory, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Among HUD-assisted adults, more than one-half (56.5 

percent) reported basic actions difficulty, compared with 39.3 percent of unassisted low-income renters 

and 33.2 percent of adults in general (figure 13). 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Complex activity limitation describes restrictions in a person’s ability to fully participate in society through 

work, social activities, or maintaining a household. Among HUD-assisted adults, 44.7 percent reported 

having a complex activity limitation (figure 14). Complex activity limitations were less prevalent among 

the comparison groups, at 26.5 percent among unassisted low-income renters and 16.9 percent among 

the general adult population. 

 

56.5

39.3 33.2

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 13: Prevalence of Basic Actions 

Difficulty by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 16

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

An examination of whether adults had either of the two disability measures—basic actions difficulty or 

complex activity limitation—shows that 6 out of 10 HUD-assisted adults, 61 percent, had some form of 

reported disability (figure 15). Among unassisted low-income renters, 42.8 percent reported any type of 

disability, and 35.4 percent of the general adult population reported basic actions difficulty or complex 

activity limitation. The high prevalence of disability among HUD-assisted adults and the difference relative 

to the other groups is notable. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of General Health Status 

Across the three adult groups, HUD-assisted adults emerged as a population facing unique challenges. 

More than one-third of HUD-assisted adults reported their health as fair or poor, a proportion 

considerably greater than the proportions reported among unassisted low-income renters and the 

general adult population. HUD-assisted tenants also reported the highest rate (22.9 percent) of utilizing 

the ER two or more times during the prior 12 months. Finally, the majority of HUD-assisted adults were 

overweight or obese (71 percent), and 61 percent had a disability at the time of their health interview. 

44.7

26.5

16.9

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 14: Prevalence of Complex Activity 

Limitation by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

61.0

42.8 35.4

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 15: Prevalence of Disability by Adult 

Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 17

Health Conditions and Diagnoses 

NHIS sample adults were asked about 10 specific conditions and diagnoses. Table A-3, “Health Conditions 

and Diagnoses of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status,” contains 

weighted percentages and standard error estimates for all 10 conditions and diagnoses for each of the 

three groups examined. 

Findings about health conditions and diagnoses are not age adjusted and are susceptible to the influence 

of differing age distributions across adult groups. Age can influence prevalence estimates because health

problems are associated with age and also because the cumulative probability that a given health 

condition will be diagnosed increases over time. In particular, the greater proportion of young adults in 

the unassisted low-income renter group compared with the proportion in the other two groups likely

influences several of the health disparities reported in what follows. 

Hypertension 

Hypertension,

25 or high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition associated with consistently elevated 

blood pressure in the arteries. Among the three groups, HUD-assisted adults had the highest reported 

prevalence (37.9 percent) of ever being told by a doctor or medical professional that they had hypertension 

during two separate clinical visits (figure 16). Unassisted low-income renters had the lowest prevalence of 

hypertension (21.4 percent), while 26.5 percent of the general adult population reported hypertension. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Heart Disease 

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States.26 NHIS survey participants were asked 

a number of questions about various heart conditions to identify heart disease. We identified individuals 

as having heart disease if they reported ever being told by a doctor or health professional that they had 

coronary heart disease, angina, a heart attack, or another kind of heart condition. Of the three adult 

groups, HUD-assisted adults had the highest prevalence of heart disease, at 19.8 percent (figure 17). 

Among unassisted low-income renters, 11.2 percent reported a heart disease diagnosis, similar to the 

12.8 percent among the general adult population. 

 

25 For more information about hypertension, visit https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/. 26 For more information about heart disease, visit https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/. 

37.9

21.4 26.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 16: Prevalence of Hypertension by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 18

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Stroke 

Strokes, characterized by poor blood flow in the brain or sudden bleeding in the brain, represent the fifth 

leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious long-term disability.27 More 

than 80 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes, a type of stroke that occurs when blood flow to the brain 

is blocked. NHIS sample adults were asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or medical professional 

that they had had a stroke. Among HUD-assisted adults, 6.6 percent reported ever being told that they 

had had a stroke, compared with 3.0 percent of the general adult population (table A-3). Similarly to the 

general adult population, 3.7 percent of unassisted low-income renters reported ever having had a stroke. 

Cancer 

Cancer is an umbrella term for diseases in which cells divide uncontrollably and abnormally; more than 

100 kinds of cancer have been identified to date.

28 NHIS survey participants were asked about ever 

having a cancer diagnosis by way of the following question: Have you ever been told by a doctor or other 

health professional that you had cancer or a malignancy of any kind? Among HUD-assisted adults, 9.2 

percent reported ever being diagnosed with any kind of cancer (figure 18). Among unassisted low-income 

renters, 4.7 percent reported ever being diagnosed with any kind of cancer. Among the general adult 

population, 8.5 percent reported ever being diagnosed with any kind of cancer, a rate similar to HUDassisted adults. 

 

27 For more information about stroke, visit https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/. 28 For more information about cancer, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/. 

19.8

11.2 12.8

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 17: Prevalence of Heart Disease by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 19

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Liver Conditions 

The liver is an organ essential for digestion and detoxification.

29 Liver disease, characterized by liver 

damage, can be inherited or caused by such factors as viruses and alcohol use. NHIS survey participants

were asked about the health of their liver via the following question: During the past 12 months, have 

you been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had any kind of liver condition? Of HUDassisted adults, 3.6 percent reported liver conditions compared with 2.6 percent of unassisted lowincome renters and 1.6 percent of the general population (table A-3). 

Kidney Condition 

Kidneys perform key regulatory roles in the human body. Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys 

are damaged and cannot filter blood properly.30 NHIS survey participants were asked the following question 

to capture kidney failure: During the past 12 months, have you been told by a doctor or other health 

professional that you had... Weak or failing kidneys? Do not include kidney stones, bladder infections or 

incontinence. The prevalence of kidney conditions was low among sampled adults (table A-3). Among HUDassisted adults, 4.5 percent reported kidney conditions. In comparison, 1.9 percent of the general adult 

population and 2.6 percent of the unassisted low-income renter population reported kidney conditions. 

Diabetes 

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which blood glucose levels are elevated.31 More than 29 million Americans 

have diabetes. Across the three adult groups, HUD-assisted adults had the highest prevalence of a diabetes 

diagnosis, with 17.6 percent reporting ever having been told they had diabetes (figure 19). Among unassisted

low-income renters, 8.8 percent reported a diabetes diagnoses. Among the general adult population, 9.5 

percent reported a diabetes diagnoses. The data suggest that HUD-assisted adults represent an at-risk

population that could benefit from diabetes prevention and management interventions. Additionally, the high 

prevalence of diabetes among HUD-assisted adults could be associated with their high rates of obesity. As 

previously shown in figure 12, approximately 70 percent of HUD-assisted adults were overweight or obese. 

 

29 For more information about liver conditions, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liverproblems/basics/definition/con-20025300. 30For more information about kidney disease, visit http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/programs/initiatives/kidney.html. 31 For more information about diabetes, visit http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/. 

9.2

4.7

8.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 18: Prevalence of Cancer by Adult 

Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 20

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by poor airflow in 

the lungs.32 Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. The estimated prevalence of COPD varied 

across the adult groups (figure 20). In the HUD-assisted group, 13.6 percent of adults reported COPD, 

which is more than double the prevalence among the general adult population (6.3 percent). Among 

unassisted low-income renters, 8.6 percent reported COPD. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

 

32 For more information about COPD, visit http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd. 

17.6

8.8 9.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 19: Prevalence of Diabetes by Adult 

Subgroup, 2006-2012

13.1

8.4

6.1

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 20: Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive 

Pulmonary Disease by Adult Subgroup, 2006-

2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 21

Current Asthma 

Asthma is a potentially fatal inflammatory disease that affects the lungs and is characterized by episodes 

of wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, or chest tightness. 33 Environmental allergens, including some of 

those found in substandard housing, can be significant asthma triggers. NHIS survey participants were 

considered to have current asthma if they answered affirmatively when asked whether they had ever had 

asthma and whether they still had asthma. Among HUD-assisted adults, 16.3 percent reported current 

asthma (figure 21). Among unassisted low-income renters, 13.5 percent reported current asthma, while 

only 8.7 percent of the general adult population did so. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Complete Tooth Loss 

Survey participants were asked if they had lost all of their upper and lower natural (permanent) teeth.

Although tooth decay and complete tooth loss have decreased in prevalence in the United States since 

the 1960s, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and age disparities in tooth loss continue.34 More than twice the 

percentage of HUD-assisted adults reported tooth loss (17.5 percent) than did unassisted low-income 

renters (8.6 percent) or the general adult population (8.3 percent; figure 22). It is important to note that 

these prevalence estimates are not age adjusted. 

 

33 For more information about asthma, visit https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/. 34 For more information about tooth loss, visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db197.htm. 

16.3

13.5

8.7

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 21: Prevalence of Current Asthma by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 22

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of Physical Health Conditions 

Of the 10 health conditions and diagnoses examined in this section, HUD-assisted adults reported greater 

prevalence (that is, worse health) than unassisted low-income renters and the general adult population 

on every measure. The greater share of elderly individuals in the HUD population likely accounts for some 

of the disparity relative to unassisted low-income renters, and the well-established association between 

health and poverty likely accounts for some of the difference relative to the general population. Such 

results point to the value of additional focused research that addresses age-adjusted health disparities 

and controls for causal factors; such research would provide greater understanding of the link between 

federal housing assistance and population health. Additionally, such research would be useful for the 

design and implementation of interventions to improve the health of HUD-assisted adults. 

 

17.5

8.6 8.3

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 22: Prevalence of Complete Tooth Loss 

by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 23

Mental Health Measures 

NHIS survey participants were asked a series of six questions meant to identify mental distress: During the 

past 30 days, how often did you feel ... (1) so sad that nothing could cheer you up, (2) nervous, (3) restless or 

fidgety, (4) hopeless, (5) that everything was an effort, (6) worthless? Five response categories were 

included: all of the time, most of the time, some of the time, a little of the time, and none of the time. 

Table A-4, “Mental Health Measures and Productivity Lost Due to Illness or Injury of Linkage-Eligible 

U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status,” contains weighted percentages and 

standard error estimates for two mental health measures for each of the three groups examined. 

Serious Psychological Distress 

Serious psychological distress was measured using a score of 13 or greater on the previously validated 

Kessler-6 index, which consists of the six questions mentioned previously (Kessler et al., 2002).

35 Among 

the three adult groups, HUD-assisted adults reported the highest prevalence of serious psychological 

distress: an estimated 11.6 percent (figure 23). In comparison, 8.7 percent of unassisted low-income 

renters and only 3.7 percent of the general adult population reported serious psychological distress. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Distress With Mental Hardship 

NHIS survey participants who answered all of the time, most of the time, or some of the time on any of 

the Kessler-6 questions were also asked the following question: We just talked about a number of feelings 

you had during the past 30 days. Altogether, how much did these feelings interfere with your life or 

 

35 The Kessler-6 index represents a scale of 0 to 24 points. (Each of the six questions is coded 0 to 4 and the results 

are summed.) Calibration studies suggest that a score of 13 or more is the optimal cut point for assessing the 

prevalence of serious mental illness (SMI), as defined by Public Law 102-321. The definition of SMI stipulates that a 

person have at least one 12-month Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders disorder, other than a 

substance use disorder, and have “serious impairment.”

11.6

8.7

3.7

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percetnage

Figure 23: Prevalence of Serious Psychological 

Distress by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 24

activities: a lot, some, a little, or not at all?36 Survey participants who answered a lot or some were 

considered to have distress with mental hardship. Among HUD-assisted adults, 39.3 percent reported 

distress with mental hardship, similar to the 35.4 percent rates for unassisted low-income renters 

(figure 24). Among the general adult population, 21.4 percent reported distress with mental hardship. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of Mental Health Indicators 

In addition to their poorer physical health documented in the previous section, HUD-assisted tenants 

faced higher rates of serious psychological distress and distress with mental hardship than did unassisted 

low-income renters and the general adult population. By both measures, both low-income groups (HUDassisted adults and unassisted, low-income renters) were more likely to report problems than the general 

population group, suggesting that the economic disadvantage of income below the poverty line is a key 

social determinant of mental health that affects the HUD-assisted population and unassisted low-income 

renters. 

 

36 This question captures the CDC measure of “frequent mental distress.” The measure has a more skewed 

distribution than the Kessler-6 and represents the top 1 to 2 percent of the population. Alternatively, the Kessler-6 is 

meant to capture 5 to 8 percent of the population. More information is available at 

https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/k6_scales.php. 

39.3 35.4

21.4

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percetnage

Figure 24: Prevalence of Distress with Mental 

Hardship by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 25

Productivity Loss Due to Illness or Injury 

To assess potential productivity loss due to illness or injury, bed days and reported work loss days were 

assessed among all three adult groups. For both measures, a 10-day threshold was used to identify 

individuals experiencing productivity loss due to illness or injury. Table A-4 contains weighted 

percentages and standard error estimates for two productivity measures for each of the three groups 

examined. 

Bed Days, Past 12 Months 

Bed days (defined as being bedridden for at least one-half of a day) during the past 12 months due to 

illness or injury (including overnight hospitalization) were assessed. Among HUD-assisted adults, 14.5 

percent reported having 10 or more bed days during the past 12 months (figure 25). A smaller proportion, 

10.3 percent, of unassisted low-income renters reported 10 or more bed days, while the rate among the 

general adult population was 6.2 percent. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Lost Work Days, Past 12 Months 

The number of lost work days in the past 12 months due to illness or injury (excluding maternity leave) was 

assessed among employed individuals (figure 26). Among all three adult groups, the prevalence of 10 or 

more work days lost was approximately 7 percent. Among HUD-assisted adults, 7.5 percent of employed 

individuals reported 10 or more lost work days due to injury or illness. As documented in figure 7, however, 

the proportion of adults in the work force is substantially lower in the HUD-assisted population. A greater 

prevalence of lost work days for health reasons could contribute to low workforce participation. 

14.5

10.3

6.2

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 25: Percentage of 10+ Bed Days by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 26

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of Productivity Indicators 

HUD-assisted tenants faced higher rates of productivity loss due to injury or illness when compared with 

rates among unassisted low-income renters and the general adult population. Prevalence was greater for 

the HUD-assisted population both for 10 or more bed days and for 10 or more lost work days.

7.5 6.5 6.1

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 26: Percentage of 10+ Lost Work Days 

Among Employed Persons by Adult Subgroup, 

2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 27

Healthcare Utilization and Access 

Individual-level healthcare access and utilization characteristics were examined among HUD-assisted 

adults and two adult groups to provide context. The NHIS asks survey participants several questions 

about sources of health care, including access to general practitioners, specialists, and mental health 

professionals. Table A-5, “Health Access and Healthcare Utilization of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD 

Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status,” contains weighted percentages and standard error 

estimates for each of the three groups examined. 

Health Insurance Coverage 

The NHIS asks a series of questions about health insurance status. Individuals were considered to have 

public health insurance if they reported coverage through any of the following: Medicare, Medicaid, the 

State Children’s Health Insurance Program, a state-sponsored health plan, other government programs, 

or a military health plan. 

Health insurance coverage varied among the adult groups (Table A-5; figure 27). Most HUD-assisted 

adults reported having public health insurance (74.6 percent).37 When compared with HUD-assisted 

adults, substantially fewer unassisted low-income renters reported public health insurance (44.5 

percent), and 23.1 percent reported private health insurance. In the general population, the majority of 

adults had private health insurance (53.5 percent). Rates of uninsurance were similar among HUDassisted adults (17.3 percent) and the general adult population (17.0 percent), but the rate was nearly 

double among unassisted low-income renters (32.4 percent). It is important to note that the survey 

years preceded the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of health insurance options. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

General Doctor Visits 

The NHIS asks survey participants several questions about healthcare sources, including the following 

question meant to capture whether a respondent had contact with a general practitioner during the prior 

year: During the past 12 months, have you seen or talked to any of the following health care providers 

 

37 For a study based on administrative linkage of HUD tenant data with Medicare and Medicaid records among 

elderly tenants, see Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (2014). 

74.6

44.5

29.5

8.1

23.1

53.5

17.3

32.4

17.0

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 27: Distribution of Health Insurance Status by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Public Private None
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 28

about your own health?... A general doctor who treats a variety of illnesses (a doctor in general practice, 

family medicine, or internal medicine). Among HUD-assisted adults, 71.9 percent reported access to a 

general practitioner (figure 28). This rate exceeds the percentage among both unassisted low-income 

renters (57.9 percent) and the general adult population (68.5 percent). 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Specialist Visits 

Another potential response to the NHIS question about healthcare sources (During the past 12 months, 

have you seen or talked to any of the following health care providers about your own health?...) is a 

specialist, defined in NHIS as a medical doctor who specializes in a particular medical disease or problem 

(other than obstetrician/gynecologist, psychiatrist or ophthalmologist). Among HUD-assisted adults, 29.6 

percent reported visiting a specialist during the past year, which was similar to the general adult 

population (28.4 percent; figure 29). Among unassisted low-income renters, 20.4 percent reported a 

specialist visit during the prior year. 

 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

71.9

57.9 68.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 28: Percentage of Adults with a 

General Doctor Visit During the Past Year by 

Subgroup, 2006-2012

29.6

20.4

28.4

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 29 : Percentage of Adults with a 

Specialist Visit During the Past Year by 

Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 29

Mental Health Professional Visits 

The NHIS asks survey participants several questions about sources of health care, including the following 

question meant to capture whether a respondent had contact with a mental health professional: During 

the past 12 months, have you seen or talked to any of the following health care providers about your own 

health?....A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or clinical 

social worker. Among HUD-assisted adults, 18.9 percent reported seeing or talking to a mental health 

professional during the past 12 months (figure 30), while 14.3 percent of unassisted low-income renters 

and 8.7 percent of the general adult population reported doing so. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Dental Visits 

To capture dental visits during the prior year, NHIS asks survey participants the following question: 

About how long has it been since you last saw a dentist? Include all types of dentists, such as orthodontists, 

oral surgeons, and all other dental specialists, as well as dental hygienists. Individuals who reported seeing a 

dentist in the past 12 months were considered to have utilized oral health services during the prior year. 

Among HUD-assisted adults, 44.1 percent reported a dental visit during the past year (figure 31). This rate 

slightly exceeded the rate for unassisted low-income renters (42.7 percent) but was substantially lower than 

the 59.9 percent rate among adults in general. 

18.9

14.3

8.7

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 30: Percentage of Adults with a Mental 

Health Professional Visit During the Past Year 

by Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 30

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Receipt of Home Health Care 

Previous research suggests that low-income populations may benefit from home healthcare options and

targeted home visiting interventions. To assess the prevalence of home health care, NHIS survey 

participants were asked the following question: During the past 12 months, did you receive care at home

from a nurse or other health care professional? Among HUD-assisted adults, 7.6 percent reported home 

health care, exceeding the rates for unassisted low-income renters, at 3.5 percent, and the general adult 

population (2.5 percent; figure 32). Such health services can be an important part of the supports 

necessary for frail elderly adults to age in place rather than move to skilled nursing facilities.

 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

44.1 42.7

59.9

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 31: Percentage of Adults with a Dental 

Visit During the Past Year by Subgroup, 2006-

2012

7.6

3.5

2.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 32: Percentage of Adults with a Home 

Health Care Visit during the Past 12 Months 

by Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 31

Unmet Needs for Health Care 

NHIS survey participants were asked a series of questions that can be used to determine unmet need for 

health care. Questionnaire language included a series of questions regarding needs that remained unmet 

due to cost: During the past 12 months, was there any time when you needed [prescription medicines, 

mental health care or counseling, dental care (including checkups), or eyeglasses], but didn’t get it 

because you couldn’t afford it? Survey participants who answered yes to any of the four affordability 

questions were considered to have unmet need for healthcare services. Among HUD-assisted adults, 34.4 

percent reported unmet healthcare need (figure 33). Comparatively, 37.5 percent of unassisted lowincome renters and 21.5 percent of the general adult population reported unmet need. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

No Usual Source of Care 

NHIS survey participants were asked if they had a usual source of health care via the following question: Is 

there a place that you usually go to when you are sick or need advice about your health? If survey 

participants said they had no usual place, then they were classified as having no usual source of care.

Among the three adult groups, HUD-assisted adults reported the lowest prevalence of having no usual 

source of care, 11.5 percent (figure 34). Among the general adult population, a slightly higher proportion 

of 15.7 percent lacked a usual source of care. Among unassisted low-income renters, 27.4 percent

reported no usual source of care. 

34.4 37.5

21.5

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 33: Prevalence of Unmet Need by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 32

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Usual Source of Care Is a Doctor’s Office or Health Maintenance Organization 

NHIS survey participants were asked what type of place they most frequently visit for health care. Onehalf (51.0 percent) of HUD-assisted adults reported their usual source of care as a doctor’s office or 

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO; figure 35). An estimated 38.0 percent of unassisted low-income 

adult renters and 62.9 percent of the general adult population reported their usual source of care as a 

doctor’s office or HMO. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Usual Source of Care Is a Clinic or Health Center 

NHIS survey participants were given the opportunity to mention a clinic or health center as the type of place 

they most frequently visit for care, in addition to the options of a doctor’s office or HMO. Among HUDassisted adults, 30.1 percent reported a clinic or health center as their usual source of care (figure 36), while 

26.0 percent of unassisted low-income renters and 17.3 percent of the general adult population reported 

their usual source of care as a clinic or health center. 

11.5

27.4

15.7

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 34: Prevalence of No Usual Source of 

Care by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

51.0

38.0

62.9

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 35: Percentage of Adults who 

Reported Usual Source of Care as Doctor's 

Office or Health Maintenance Organization by 

Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 33

 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

A significant share of health centers represented in this indicator may be federally qualified health 

centers that specifically serve low-income populations. To the extent that such health centers are located 

close to HUD-assisted properties, HUD tenants may find such centers an appealing and accessible source 

of health services.

38

Usual Source of Care Reported as the Emergency Room 

Although the ER isn’t generally considered to be a usual source of care by public health researchers, some 

survey participants identified the ER as their usual source of care. A small percentage of HUD-assisted 

adults (3.5 percent) reported the ER as their usual source of care (figure 37). This percentage is about the 

same as the 4.0 percent among unassisted low-income renters and exceeds the 1.2 percent rate among 

the general adult population. It is possible that the health insurance coverage rates reported in figure 27

influence reliance on ERs, as 17.3 percent of HUD-assisted adults and 32.4 percent of unassisted, lowincome renters reported no health insurance.

 

 

38 Public Housing Primary Care Health Centers funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration 

served about 220,000 public housing residents in 2012—approximately one-fifth of public housing households. See 

http://bphc.hrsa.gov/qualityimprovement/strategicpartnerships/specialpopulations/index.html. 

30.1 26.0

17.3

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 36: Percentage of Adults who 

Reported Usual Source of Care as Clinic or 

Health Center by Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 34

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of Healthcare Utilization and Access 

Overall, HUD-assisted renters reported better rates of access and utilization than did unassisted lowincome renters on several of the indicators reported previously. A relatively small proportion of HUD 

tenants reported lacking a usual source of care; sizable proportions of them reported access to doctors, 

HMOs, and health clinics. Nevertheless, HUD tenants and unassisted low-income renters reported 

similarly high rates of unmet healthcare needs due to cost. Differences between the two groups may be 

related to location or to better health insurance coverage—including public health insurance coverage—

among HUD populations. Age-associated chronic health problems in the HUD-assisted population may 

also drive higher healthcare utilization. Supporting evidence that needs are greater for HUD-assisted 

adults may lie in the greater prevalence of home healthcare visits, specialist visits, and mental healthcare 

visits; such utilization potentially points to a subset of HUD tenants with special needs. 

3.5 4.0

1.2

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 37: Percentage of Adults who 

Reported Usual Source of Care as the 

Emergency Room by Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 35

Health Behaviors 

Individual-level health behaviors were examined among HUD-assisted adults and two relevant adult 

groups to provide context. Table A-6, “Health Behaviors of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD 

Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status,” contains weighted percentages and standard error 

estimates for each of the three groups examined. 

Cigarette Smoking 

Current cigarette smokers were defined as adults (age 18 and over) who ever smoked 100 cigarettes in 

their entire life and answered “every day” or “some days” to the question: Do you now smoke cigarettes 

every day, some days or not at all? NHIS sample adults were asked a series of questions about cigarette 

smoking, including behaviors and consumption. Among HUD-assisted adults, one-third (33.5 percent) 

were current cigarette smokers at the time of their health interview (figure 38). The rate of cigarette 

smoking among unassisted low-income renters was similar to HUD-assisted adults, at 34.9 percent. 

Among the general adult population, 22.0 percent were current cigarette smokers at the time of the 

health interview. Assisted housing programs represent a key platform for initiatives to reduce exposure to 

secondhand smoke and encourage cessation, such as the recent Smoke-free Public Housing rule,

39 which 

has the potential to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and positively impact the lives of millions of 

assisted individuals and the PHA workforce. 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Heavy Alcohol Use 

NHIS sample adults were asked a series of questions about alcohol usage. Male adults who reported drinking 

12 or more drinks during their lifetime and more than 14 drinks a week (average estimated consumption) 

during the past year were considered to have heavy alcohol use. Female adults who reported drinking 12 or 

more drinks during their lifetime and more than 7 drinks a week (average estimated consumption) during the 

past year were considered to have heavy alcohol use. Among the three groups, HUD-assisted adults reported 

the lowest prevalence (4.1 percent) of heavy alcohol use (figure 39). Approximately 6.9 percent of unassisted

low-income renters and 5.8 percent of the general adult population reported heavy alcohol use. 

 

39 For more about the Smoke-free Public Housing rule, refer to FR 5597-P-02. Instituting Smoke-Free Public Housing. 

Available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=HUD-2015-0101-0001. 

33.5 34.9

22.0

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 38: Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking by 

Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 36

 

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Physical Activity 

NCHS provides guidance for researchers to use NHIS data to construct physical activity indicators 

consistent with those used to track progress toward national health objectives.40 NHIS questions sample

adults about usual light-moderate and usual vigorous leisure-time physical activity to determine into 

which of three categories of physical activity they fall: regularly active, some activity (less than regular), 

and inactive. Regularly active adults reported at least 20 minutes of vigorous activity three or more times 

a week or at least 30 minutes of light-moderate activity five or more times a week. Adults were 

considered to have some activity if they engaged in some sort of rigorous or light-moderate activity but 

their activity did not meet the criteria for regular activity. Inactive adults are those who reported never 

engaging in any vigorous or light-moderate activity or who volunteered that they were unable to engage 

in such activities. 

Among HUD-assisted adults, 19.9 percent reported regular activity and 53.8 percent reported that they 

had no physical activity or were inactive (figure 40). Among all three adult groups, HUD-assisted adults 

reported the highest rates of inactivity. Approximately 41.1 percent of unassisted low-income renters and 

31.5 percent of the general adult population were physically inactive at the time of their health interview. 

Given the high rates of obesity among HUD-assisted adults presented in figure 12, preliminary findings 

suggest that HUD-assisted adults could benefit from targeted physical activity promotion programs. 

 

40 For more information about activity recodes, visit 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/physical_activity/pa_recodes.htm. 

4.1

6.9

5.8

HUD-Assisted

Adults

Unassisted LowIncome RentersGeneral Adult

Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 39: Prevalence of Heavy Alcohol Use 

by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 37

SOURCE: Authors’ tabulations of NHIS-HUD Linked Data 

Summary of Health Behaviors 

Of the three health behaviors summarized here, the least healthy behaviors for two indicators, cigarette 

smoking and heavy drinking, were reported by the unassisted low-income renters. HUD-assisted renters 

reported the lowest level of physical activity but reported less heavy alcohol use than adults in the other 

two groups. Differences in age and disabilities between the groups could explain some of the physical 

activity disparity. Differences in income, age, and gender, among other variables, may influence 

consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Such factors deserve further examination to better understand the 

relationships and potential interactions between these variables and behaviors. 

53.8

41.1

31.5

26.3

29.0

33.8

19.9

29.9

34.7

HUD-Assisted Adults

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

General Adult Population

Weighted Percentage

Figure 40: Distribution of Physical Activity by Adult Subgroup, 2006-2012

Inactive Some Activity Regularly Active
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 38

Conclusion 

This descriptive summary of the linked 2006-to-2012 NCHS-HUD data presents the first nationally 

representative estimates of health outcomes and healthcare access and utilization for HUD-assisted adult 

renters. We view this report as a first step in sharing an important NCHS-HUD linked data resource with a 

broad audience and in supporting and stimulating followup research with these data through the NCHS 

Research Data Center. 

Our presentation of HUD-assisted adults in comparison with unassisted low-income renters and a general 

adult population shows that these groups differ in significant ways on several demographic and health 

indicators. HUD-assisted renters have greater health needs on a number of dimensions, but they also 

display some advantages over unassisted low-income populations. Such conclusions, however, must be 

viewed as exploratory and preliminary. The primary objective has been to present an initial broad array of 

estimates representing each group. 

The United States makes substantial public investments in both housing and health care every year. Using 

these newly linked data to better align housing and health policy has the potential to improve the cost

effectiveness and outcomes of public investments. Targeted interventions to address specific health 

needs, or better coordination of existing health services with assisted housing populations, can yield great 

benefits and improve the nation’s public health. 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 39

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A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

 Page 41

Appendix 

Table A-1: Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD 

Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012)

Table A-2: General Health Status of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and LowIncome Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012)

Table A-3: Health Conditions and Diagnoses of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, 

and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012)

Table A-4: Mental Health Measures and Productivity Lost Due to Illness or Injury of Linkage-Eligible U.S.

Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–

2012)

Table A-5: Health Access and Health Care Utilization of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, 

Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012)

Table A-6: Health Behaviors of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income 

Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012)
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 42

Table A-1: Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status 

(Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012) 

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n = 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income 

Renters (n = 9,051)

General Population

(n = 108,457)

Characteristic n % (SE) n % (SE) n % (SE)

Age at interview (years)

18–24 629 16.2 (0.97) 2,825 34.6 (1.41) 11,246 13.2 (0.24)

25–44 1,751 34.5 (1.13) 3,361 37.9 (1.00) 37,867 35.4 (0.24)

45–61 1,339 25.1 (0.85) 1,873 19.0 (0.69) 32,131 30.4 (0.22)

62+ 1,503 24.2 (1.42) 992 8.5 (0.45) 27,213 20.9 (0.24)

Elderly in household (Age 65+)

No elderly 3,900 77.3 (1.37) 8,213 91.9 (0.46) 82,478 77.8 (0.23)

Elderly 1,322 22.7 (1.37) 837 8.1 (0.46) 25,979 22.2 (0.23)

Sex

Male 1,203 26.2 (1.00) 3,597 43.8 (0.71) 48,804 48.3 (0.21)

Female 4,019 73.8 (1.00) 5,454 56.2 (0.71) 59,653 51.7 (0.21)

Family type

One adult, no child(ren) under 18 2,493 38.1 (1.43) 4,439 38.1 (1.39) 36,018 19.5 (0.29)

Multiple adults, no child(ren) under 18 496 15.5 (0.73) 1,017 16.9 (0.66) 37,105 43.7 (0.25)

One adult, 1+ child(ren) under 18 1,623 24.9 (1.03) 1,614 11.8 (0.44) 7,895 3.9 (0.07)

Multiple adults, 1+ child(ren) under 18 610 21.5 (0.99) 1,981 33.2 (1.04) 27,439 32.9 (0.28)

Marital status

Married 469 14.9 (0.90) 1,509 23.6 (0.82) 47,170 53.6 (0.34)

Widowed, divorced, or separated 2,342 38.6 (1.12) 2,477 21.1 (0.71) 29,480 18.0 (0.17)

Never married 2,272 42.4 (1.17) 4,339 43.6 (1.28) 25,141 21.1 (0.26)

Living with partner 135 4.1 (0.46) 718 11.7 (0.49) 6,570 7.4 (0.13)

Poverty threshold

< 100% federal poverty threshold 3,494 65.1 (1.03) 18,321 13.1 (0.24)

100–200% federal poverty threshold 1,390 27.7 (0.90) 22,344 19.0 (0.22)

200+ federal poverty threshold 338 7.2 (0.59) 67,792 67.9 (0.37)
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 43

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n = 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income 

Renters (n = 9,051)

General Population

(n = 108,457)

Race/ethnicity 

Hispanic 965 19.0 (1.23) 1,914 21.2 (0.77) 14,674 13.8 (0.28)

White non-Hispanic 1,752 38.3 (1.78) 4,112 49.9 (1.15) 70,202 68.8 (0.40)

Black non-Hispanic 2,288 38.7 (1.68) 2,328 21.9 (0.83) 17,261 11.8 (0.29)

Other non-Hispanic 217 4.0 (0.67) 697 7.1 (0.41) 6,320 5.6 (0.17)

Region

Northeast 1,218 23.4 (1.81) 1,324 15.1 (0.82) 16,257 15.6 (0.37)

Midwest 1,380 27.9 (2.25) 2,180 25.0 (1.43) 27,082 26.0 (0.52)

South 1,758 32.4 (1.93) 3,518 39.1 (1.31) 40,683 37.3 (0.54)

West 866 16.2 (1.63) 2,029 20.8 (1.06) 24,435 21.0 (0.43)

Metropolitan Classification

Large central metro 2,006 36.0 (1.89) 3,267 33.5 (1.25) 30,115 26.0 (0.44)

Large fringe metro 686 14.7 (1.72) 1,156 13.6 (0.88) 22,113 22.9 (0.69)

Medium metro 1,164 22.0 (1.90) 1,983 22.3 (1.62) 23,552 22.2 (1.03)

Small metro 487 10.6 (2.17) 1,055 12.4 (1.51) 11,701 11.1 (1.02)

Micropolitan 555 11.4 (1.93) 968 11.5 (1.21) 11,995 10.5 (0.96)

Noncore 324 5.4 (1.23) 621 6.5 (0.92) 8,981 7.3 (0.88)

Work status

Worked in past 12 months 1,898 38.6 (1.11) 5,136 58.9 (0.98) 72,167 70.0 (0.28)

Did not work in past 12 months 3,320 61.4 (1.11) 3,910 41.1 (0.98) 36,254 30.0 (0.28)

Educational attainment

Did not complete high school 1,891 35.2 (0.98) 2,599 29.9 (0.99) 16,492 14.4 (0.23)

High school graduate or general educational 

development (GED) 1,623 32.1 (0.92) 2,454 28.4 (0.85) 28,724 27.3 (0.25)

Some college, no degree 1,016 19.9 (0.76) 2,395 26.1 (1.35) 22,814 21.1 (0.22)

Associate’s degree or higher 434 8.1 (0.60) 637 6.6 (0.33) 11,743 10.7 (0.14)

Bachelor’s degree or higher 248 4.7 (0.38) 928 9.0 (0.46) 28,408 26.4 (0.33)

Homeless or incarceration (Only 2006–2010)

Never homeless or incarcerated 1,968 84.5 (1.04) 4,269 80.3 (0.96) 57,776 93.5 (0.14)

Ever homeless or incarcerated 338 15.5 (1.04) 1,017 19.7 (0.96) 4,166 6.5 (0.14)

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NHIS = National Health Interview Survey. SE = standard error.

Note: Due to rounding, not all reported percentages precisely equal 100.0 percent. 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 44

Table A-2: General Health Status of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked 

Data, 2006–2012) 

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n = 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

(n = 9,051)

General Population

(n= 108,457)

Characteristic n % (SE) n % (SE) n % (SE)

Self-reported health

Excellent/very good 1,577 31.2 (0.99) 4,243 48.2 (1.09) 61,679 59.6 (0.26)

Good 1,714 33.0 (0.88) 2,519 27.7 (0.72) 29,664 26.6 (0.19)

Fair/poor 1,929 35.8 (0.93) 2,284 24.1 (0.79) 17,078 13.8 (0.17)

Emergency room (ER) visits, 

past 12 months

None 2,985 57.2 (0.91) 5,884 64.9 (0.71) 82,920 77.3 (0.20)

One 1,042 19.9 (0.70) 1,542 17.3 (0.51) 15,544 14.1 (0.14)

Two or more 1,191 22.9 (0.75) 1,619 17.8 (0.56) 9,938 8.6 (0.13)

Self-reported weight 

classification (BMI) 

Underweight (< 18.5) 113 2.5 (0.35) 224 2.6 (0.22) 1,837 1.7 (0.05)

Healthy weight (18.5–24.9) 1,341 26.7 (0.76) 3,396 38.0 (0.89) 35,872 34.0 (0.23)

Overweight (25.0–29.9) 1,536 29.7 (0.81) 2,542 28.5 (0.66) 36,489 34.2 (0.18)

Obese I (30.0–34.9) 1,049 21.1 (0.75) 1,448 16.6 (0.57) 19,129 18.0 (0.17)

Obese II (35.0–39.9) 545 10.0 (0.57) 708 7.8 (0.38) 7,977 7.3 (0.11)

Obese III (40.0+) 527 9.9 (0.53) 569 6.5 (0.40) 5,424 4.9 (0.09)

Disability measures

Basic actions difficulty 3,001 56.5 (1.08) 3,657 39.3 (0.90) 38,135 33.2 (0.26)

Complex activity limitations 2,435 44.7 (1.23) 2,544 26.5 (0.83) 20,885 16.9 (0.19)

Any disability 3,242 61.0 (1.12) 3,969 42.8 (0.97) 40,611 35.4 (0.27)

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NHIS = National Health Interview Survey. SE = standard error.
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

Page 45

Table A-3: Health Conditions and Diagnoses of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD 

Linked Data, 2006–2012) 

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n= 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

(n = 9,051)

General Population

(n = 108,457)

Characteristic n % (SE) n % (SE) n % (SE)

Specific conditions and diagnoses 

Hypertension 2,146 37.9 (1.09) 2,136 21.4 (0.72) 31,863 26.5 (0.23)

Heart disease, ever 1,059 19.8 (0.87) 1,084 11.2 (0.47) 15,142 12.8 (0.14)

Stroke, ever 387 6.6 (0.46) 388 3.7 (0.26) 3,867 3.0 (0.06)

Ever diagnosed with 

Cancer, any type 512 9.2 (0.58) 463 4.7 (0.29) 10,072 8.5 (0.11)

Liver condition 178 3.6 (0.33) 278 2.9 (0.23) 1,946 1.6 (0.05)

Kidney condition 243 4.5 (0.38) 262 2.6 (0.20) 2,434 1.9 (0.05)

Diabetes, ever 979 17.6 (0.74) 872 8.8 (0.45) 11,331 9.5 (0.13)

Chronic obstructive 

pulmonary disease 

(COPD)

663 13.1 (0.63) 761 8.4 (0.46) 7,063 6.1 (0.11)

Current asthma 833 16.3 (0.70) 1,208 13.5 (0.50) 9,769 8.7 (0.11)

Total tooth loss 985 17.5 (0.81) 879 8.6 (0.41) 10,356 8.3 (0.14)

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NHIS = National Health Interview Survey. SE = standard error.

 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Table A-4: Mental Health Measures and Productivity Lost Due to Illness or Injury of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and LowIncome Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012) 

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n = 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income 

Renters

(n = 9,051)

General Population

(n = 108,457)

Characteristic n % (SE) n % (SE) n % (SE)

Mental health measures 

Serious psychological distress 573 11.6 (0.66) 802 8.7 (0.47) 4,458 3.7 (0.09)

Distress with mental hardship 2,047 39.3 (0.95) 3,253 35.4 (0.76) 24,285 21.4 (0.20)

Productivity lost due to illness or injury

10 or more bed days, past 12 months 684 14.5 (0.73) 935 10.3 (0.47) 7,229 6.2 (0.09)

10 or more lost work days, past 12 months 134 7.5 (0.73) 320 6.5 (0.49) 4,544 6.1 (0.10)

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NHIS = National Health Interview Survey. SE = standard error.

 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Table A-5: Health Access and Healthcare Utilization of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted 

NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 2006–2012) 

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n = 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income 

Renters

(n = 9,051)

General Population

(n = 108,457)

Characteristic n % (SE) n % (SE) n % (SE)

Health insurance coverage

Public 4,023 74.6 (0.93) 4,241 44.5 (1.08) 37,836 29.5 (0.28)

Private 385 8.1 (0.54) 2,098 23.1 (1.39) 52,635 53.5 (0.34)

None 805 17.3 (0.79) 2,671 32.4 (0.92) 17,767 17.0 (0.19)

Utilization, past 12 months

Seen general doctor or medical 

professional 3,834 71.9 (1.03) 5,420 57.9 (0.65) 75,077 68.5 (0.21)

Seen specialist 1,554 29.6 (0.91) 1,915 20.4 (0.56) 31,354 28.4 (0.20)

Seen mental health professional 966 18.9 (0.85) 1,358 14.3 (0.54) 10,065 8.7 (0.12)

Seen dentist 2,229 44.1 (0.94) 3,891 42.7 (1.03) 63,367 59.9 (0.29)

Received home health care 461 7.6 (0.49) 379 3.5 (0.25) 3,263 2.5 (0.06)

Access

Unmet need 1,778 34.4 (1.08) 3,351 37.5 (0.88) 24,153 21.5 (0.22)

Usual source of care

No usual source of care 547 11.5 (0.76) 2,314 27.4 (0.72) 16,470 15.7 (0.22)

Doctor’s office or Health Maintenance 

Organization (HMO) 2,643 51.0 (1.35) 3,447 38.0 (0.77) 66,296 62.9 (0.35)

Clinic or health center 1,625 30.1 (1.35) 2,485 26.0 (0.71) 20,883 17.3 (0.29)

Emergency room (ER) 185 3.5 (0.31) 345 4.0 (0.28) 1,468 1.2 (0.04)

Other 220 3.8 (0.38) 457 4.6 (0.27) 3,317 2.8 (0.07)

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NHIS = National Health Interview Survey. SE = standard error.

 
A Health Picture of HUD-Assisted Adult Tenants, 2006–2012 

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Table A-6: Health Behaviors of Linkage-Eligible U.S. Adults, by HUD Assistance, Tenure, and Low-Income Status (Weighted NHIS-HUD Linked Data, 

2006–2012) 

HUD-Assisted Adults

(n = 5,222)

Unassisted Low-Income Renters

(n = 9,051)

General Population

(n = 108,457)

Characteristic n % (SE) n % (SE) n % (SE)

Cigarette smoking

Nonsmoker 3,531 66.5 (1.23) 6,031 65.1 (0.94) 84,543 78.0 (0.23)

Smoker 1,689 33.5 (1.23) 3,010 34.9 (0.94) 23,828 22.0 (0.23)

Heavy alcohol use

No heavy alcohol use 5,017 95.9 (0.38) 8,442 93.1 (0.43) 102,182 94.2 (0.10)

Heavy alcohol use 205 4.1 (0.38) 609 6.9 (0.43) 6,275 5.8 (0.10)

Physical activity 

Inactive 2,775 53.8 (1.01) 3,648 41.1 (1.11) 35,285 31.5 (0.37)

Some activity 1,369 26.3 (0.78) 2,590 29.0 (0.65) 35,296 33.8 (0.23)

Regularly active 996 19.9 (0.86) 2,706 29.9 (0.94) 36,466 34.7 (0.27)

HUD = U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NHIS = National Health Interview Survey. SE = standard error.