Diet of adults living in houses in multiple occupation.

This study describes the diet and lifestyle of people living in houses in multiple occupation (HMO). A census was taken from a random sample of 400 HMOs in Southampton. Interviews were carried out with a random sample of 73 adult residents from the HMOs. A group of 34 people recently rehoused by the local council were interviewed for comparison. The HMO group had a lack of adequate cooking facilities compared to the council group. A kitchen was used to cook a meal every day by only 53% of the HMO and 77% of the council group. The HMO group spent more money on rent and food than the council group. Women in the HMO group had lower intakes of protein, fat and calcium than women in the council group. Housing conditions appeared to have some influence on nutrient intake. However, the HMO and council groups behaved in a similar way for a number of dietary habits. In low-income groups such as those studied here, factors other than housing conditions appear to influence food intake.