Nimlyat, P S; Salihu, B and Wang, G P (2024) The impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on patients' health and comfort in Nigeria. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 42(4), pp. 510-530. ISSN 23984708
Abstract
Purpose: The most challenging aspect of hospital design is the creation of an environment that heals rather than the one acting as a barrier to healing. Much has not been done in the aspect of ascertaining the level of impact "indoor environmental quality (IEQ)" has on building occupants in healthcare facilities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of IEQ on patients' health and well-being. Design/methodology/approach: The study investigates the hypothesis that four IEQ parameters (thermal quality, acoustic quality, lighting quality and indoor air quality [IAQ]) influence patients' overall satisfaction with the performance of hospital wards. Questionnaire responses were sought from the patients as the main occupants of hospital ward buildings. A proposed weighted structural model for IEQ establishing the relationship between IEQ parameters, patients' overall satisfaction and patients' health outcome was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings: The most influential IEQ parameters on patients' overall satisfaction with IEQ in hospital wards are thermal quality, IAQ and lighting quality. The findings from this study revealed that the parameters of influence on patients' overall satisfaction and health outcomes vary with hospital ward orientation and design configuration. Originality/value: This study has explored the need for the integration of all factors of IEQ at the building design stage towards providing a hospital environmental setting that reflects occupants' requirements and expectations and also promotes patient healing processes. This should be the focus of architects and healthcare managers and providers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | IEQ parameters; indoor environmental quality; patients' health; patients' overall satisfaction; structural equation modeling; questionaire survey |
| Index terms: | indoor air quality, integration, methodology, configuration, questionnaire, health and wellbeing, structural equation modelling, survey, manager, indoor environmental quality, comfort, architect, Nigeria, building design, satisfaction |
| Subjects: | systems engineering, statistical analysis, environmental health, occupational health and safety management, organizational analysis, Geography, research methods, architectural design, project delivery, practitioner, mental health and wellbeing, profession, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Design Practice, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Health and Safety |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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