Uncovering the health effects of sick building syndrome: a study of housing conditions in Ibadan North-East, Nigeria

Abstract

A house is more than just a physical structure; its conditions have a significant impact on our physical and mental health as well as our general quality of life. Housing issues and sick building syndrome have complex dynamics. This study dissects the intricate connections between housing conditions and sick building syndrome in the Ibadan North-East Local Government Area. A questionnaire was administered to two hundred respondents through systematic random sampling technique. Data collected was coded, computed, and analyzed through the Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), which was further presented using descriptive statistics. Also, four (4) indices were developed using the Likert scale: condition index (CI), indicator index (II), factor index (FI), and preventive index (PI).Building components like ‘Foundation’ (CI = 3.62), ‘windows and doors’ (CI = 3.06), ‘wall’ (CI = 3.01), ‘toilet/sewerage’ (CI = 3.00), ‘floor’ (CI = 2.98), and ‘roof’ (CI = 2.97) were in good condition; however, 43.0% of the respondents revealed that the overall condition of their buildings was in poor condition. Headaches, respiratory discomfort, reduced cognitive function, lower overall life satisfaction, and anxiety were the major indicators of sick building syndrome in the study area, with II values of 4.83, 4.74, 4.62, 4.54, and 4.46, respectively. While physical (89.0%) and psychological (9.5%) were the major effects of SBS on the residents. Airborne allergens (FI = 4.94), poor ventilation (FI = 4.86), inadequate cleaning practices (FI = 4.71), poor maintenance (FI = 4.63), temperature and humidity (FI = 4.60), and occupant density (FI = 4.59) are factors responsible for SBS in the study area. Ventilation improvement (PI = 4.48), regular cleaning (PI = 4.45), natural light exposure (PI = 4.43), and encouraging healthy practices (PI = 4.27) are preventive measures adopted by the residents to mitigate SBS. This study recommends a multifaceted approach to urban sustainability, including targeted building revitalization efforts, structured community engagement programs, widespread public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy for green building adoption, and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration between urban planners, architects, environmental scientists, and other relevant professionals. This study highlighted the pressing need for a proactive urban planning approach to the healthy living of the residents of the study area. The emphasis was laid on the significant impact of substandard housing on residents’ health, resulting in the prevalence of SBS-related symptoms.

Symptom Clusters