Housing quality and health; an evaluation of influencing variables

¹ Department of Architecture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
² Department of Architecture, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti Nigeria.
³ Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Economics, Ekiti State University Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti Nigeria
⁵ School of Engineering, Technology and Design, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

^* Corresponding author: foluso.awe@fuoye.edu.org

Abstract

The quality of housing and the well-being of its occupants are inherently interconnected; with excellent housing conditions contributing to better overall health. This study assessed determinants of housing features and their effects on health of individuals residing in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The research region was divided into three zones: urban centre, transitional, and periphery. 1500 standardized questionnaires were distributed to building owners or tenants based on stratified random sampling technique. Seven factors were discovered, and statistical tables were created applying the mixed approach of data analysis. The study revealed: 16.4% of the households were overcrowded, 14.4% of living rooms were not well ventilated, 11.7% of bedrooms did not have cross-ventilation, 30.6% used toilet systems other than water closets, 14.7% had access to tap water, 29.1% houses had their kitchen outside the house, and 13.7% of the sewer was good. As a result of these circumstances, 74.1% had malaria, 7.7% had dysentery, 4.3% had measles, 2.9% had TB, and 2.6% had cholera. The study produced a model stating that the state of building variables/elements is directly linked to the health of building users. The study advised that homeowners improve their sanitary hygiene and facilities with government enhanced efforts on housing amenities.