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Rental assistance impacts on diabetes: Insights from a longitudinal mixed-methods analysis
Whitney Denary1, Denise Esserman2, Penelope Schlesinger1
1Yale School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA.
SSM. Qualitative Research in Health
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Rental assistance for low-income adults with diabetes did not significantly improve glycemic control. Experiences varied, with some benefiting from improved stability and others facing challenges with housing quality and medical care access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Affordable housing shortages impact low-income individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes.
- Individuals often face trade-offs between housing, healthcare, and essential disease management needs.
- Rental assistance may improve housing stability and reduce financial strain, but access is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of rental assistance on glycemic control (HbA1c) in adults with diabetes.
- To explore the heterogeneity of experiences among participants transitioning to rental assistance.
- To identify factors influencing diabetes management outcomes related to housing stability.
Main Methods:
- A two-and-a-half-year mixed-methods longitudinal study (Project ReSIDe).
- Followed 113 adults with diabetes on a rental assistance waitlist in Connecticut.
- Used linear mixed-effects models for HbA1c changes and qualitative interviews for in-depth experiences.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in HbA1c changes was observed between those who received rental assistance and those who did not.
- Qualitative data revealed diverse experiences, with some participants reporting improved diabetes management and others facing disruptions.
- Factors such as housing quality (kitchen facilities, pests) and continuity of medical care significantly influenced outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Rental assistance alone may not be sufficient to improve glycemic control for all individuals with diabetes.
- Complementary interventions addressing housing quality, residential stability, and consistent medical care are crucial.
- Heterogeneity in participant experiences highlights the complexity of linking housing interventions to health outcomes.
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