Table 1.

Overview of the independent variables used in the paper

Factors influencing mental health	Indicators from the literature	Indicators used in this study (with variable information noted)
Institutional settings		Not considered in this paper
Housing	1) Housing type	Three types of categories were used: • Five different types of housing units were identified: Formal (reference), subsidised housing (4 rooms)2, subsidised housing (2 rooms), informal and other (backyard room, etc.) • A distinction was made between formal (reference) and informal housing areas • A distinction was made between brick (reference) and other types of material used for the walls
	2) Housing quality
	Structural defects	Not considered in this paper
	Maintenance	Not considered in this paper
	Availability of amenities	Toilet facilities: Flush (reference), pit and other (including none or bucket) Water access: Tap inside (reference), tap outside
	Dampness	Not considered in this paper
	Tenure	Not considered in this paper
	Cockroach and rodent infection	Not considered in this paper
	Housing satisfaction	Not considered in this paper
	3) Floor level	Not considered in this paper
	4) Neighbourhood quality	The area was divided into three age groups: Old neighbourhoods, intermediate areas which were upgraded between 1994 and 2000 (Marais and Ntema, 2013) and new settlements built since 2001 (these could include informal settlements)(reference)
Crowding	Average number of people per room	Average number of people per room (continuous)
Noise	Noise levels	Not considered
Indoor air quality		The source of cooking and lighting was considered to be an indicator: electricity (reference), paraffin and candles for lighting; electricity (reference), paraffin and other (wood/coal) for cooking
Urbanisation / movement		Whether the child had moved between households (had moved is reference)