# Testing the Risk of Child Hyperactivity-Inattention Problems in Families Living with Housing-cost Burden during the COVID-19 Pandemic

## TL;DR

This study finds that housing cost burden during the pandemic is linked to child hyperactivity-inattention problems, especially in renter families.

## Contribution

The study reveals distinct effects of housing cost burden on child behavior in renter versus homeowner families.

## Key findings

- Higher housing cost burden in renter families is linked to increased risk of child hyperactivity-inattention when costs exceed 30% of income.
- Homeowner families do not show a significant increase in child hyperactivity-inattention problems with higher housing costs.
- The findings highlight the need for housing affordability policies to protect child development during socioeconomic crises.

## Abstract

Housing cost burden is a critical issue in contemporary society, not only because of the economic strain it imposes on households, but also due to its impact on child development outcomes. This study examines the risk of child hyperactivity-inattention problems across different levels of housing cost burden during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores whether these patterns differ between renter and homeowner families, two groups that experienced distinct challenges to child well-being during this period. Addressing this research gap is crucial for identifying children at high risk of hyperactivity-inattention problems, particularly during times of severe socioeconomic adversity. Using secondary data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (N = 2,589), we applied negative binomial regression models supported by generalized propensity score weighting to strengthen causal inference. The results indicate that among homeowner families, higher housing cost burden is not significantly associated with an increased risk of child hyperactivity-inattention problems. In contrast, among renter families, the risk does not rise significantly until housing costs consume more than 30% of total income. These findings provide timely evidence in support of policies that promote housing affordability as a strategy to safeguard child development, a particularly pressing concern as policy debates consider cuts to social assistance programs addressing housing and child support needs for families most at risk.