Housing has always been a source of stress for people in Hong Kong (HK), especially to those living in sub-optimal settings. About 210,000 people are forced to live in subdivided flats in HK. Most of these flats cannot meet health standards set by the UN even for prisoners, in terms of the floor space, climatic conditions, lighting, air quality, and ventilation. Fire and public safety equipment are lacking. Most believed that the substandard environment has a negative impact on one’s mental health.

To investigate how the living condition in a subdivided flat affects a person’s mental health.

104 households living in the subdivided flats in Kwai Tsing, one of the 18 Districts of HK, were surveyed by HKJCDPRI’s Collaborating Partner, HKSKH Lady MacLehose Centre in February 2017; while a follow-up study with purposive sampling was conducted in October 2017 to interview 10 households on their mental health status. A mixed Methods was used combining the quantitative Results of the WHO Quality of Life-BREF scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, and qualitative Results of face-to-face interviews.

80% of 104 households surveyed suffered from mental distress. The follow-up study revealed that seven of them displayed signs of depression and/or anxiety, while two were diagnosed with a mental disorder. Distress is proven to associate with the environmental and health risks, including fire and disease outbreak, as well as chronic issues resulting from poor indoor air quality and extreme weather.

Low level of perception and preparedness among HK people is making these public health risks more apparent. The already desperate housing and land policy don’t seem to offer any help in the near future. Public educations efforts need tremendous enhancement, to engage, mobilize and empower individuals and communities, to actively plan and prepare for future shocks.