Household dampness and their associations with building characteristics and lifestyles: Repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2010 and 2019 in Chongqing, China

Abstract Few studies investigated the influence of building characteristics and household lifestyles on home dampness in a climatic region with frequent rainfall and high outdoor relative humidity. In this paper, based on the surveyed data from 4976 residences in 2010 and from 3971 residences in 2019, we investigated associations of building characteristics and lifestyle behaviors with six damp indicators, which included visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp clothing, condensation on windowpanes, moldy odor, and water damage. We applied two-level (district-residence) logistical regression model and multiple logistical regression model to find out the target associations. We found that proportions of residence with damp indicators were significantly lower in 2019 than in 2010. Mother reported more damp indicators than father. Household redecoration in the last year before the survey, nearby shopping/industry centre, and suburban/rural area were significantly associated with the higher odds of parts of the studied damp indicators. While often/sometimes putting beddings to sunshine, often/sometimes opening window in spring, use of exhaust fan, and keeping fish were significantly associated with the lower odds of parts of the studied damp indicators. Compared to latex paint and laminate wood, using other materials as wall and floor materials respectively were significantly associated with lower odds of condensation on windowpane. Our results explored several damp-related indicators associated building characteristics and lifestyle behaviors. Improvement of household ventilation status could notably reduce indoor damp-related problems. “Avoidance behavior” and “reverse association” of these problems with household redecoration and fish-keeping should be considered.