Health Implication of Housing Conditions on Residents in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Aim: Staying healthy is a function of many factors among which housing condition of man is prime. Both intrinsic and extrinsic attributes of housing can impact on human health. This study examined the health implications of housing conditions on the residents of Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study design was employed using questionnaire to elicit information on the housing conditions of residents and their public health implications in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria from February to May 2016. A sample size of 400 respondents was used for the study. Data collected were analyzed descriptively using simple percentages.

Results: Findings from this study indicate that malaria and typhoid fever were the two major health challenge among the residents. Also, domestic accident/injuries were observed to be more frequent which can be the possible effect of poor housing conditions among the residents of Calabar South Local Government Area. Results of the dwelling condition of residents in Calabar South revealed that 41.8% of the respondents rated it very poor with only 4.5% of the respondents rating their dwelling place to be excellent. Common pest/vectors perceived in housing units as highlighted by the respondents showed that mosquitoes (46.3%) and cockroaches (30.8%) were more prevalent.

Conclusion: It was recommended among others that there should be a continuous public enlightenment among the people on the health implication of their living conditions in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.