Assessment of Housing Characteristics and Crowding Index in BenueSouth Senatorial District, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Housing is a fundamental component of human settlement and a key determinant of health and well-being.
In Nigeria, despite numerous housing policies and reforms, implementation remains limited, leaving many citizens in
substandard housing conditions. Recurrent insecurity and community displacement have further worsened the situation.
This study assessed housing characteristics and the crowding index in the Benue South Senatorial District of Nigeria.
Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 households selected through a
multistage sampling technique across nine local government areas. Data were collected using structured intervieweradministered questionnaires and direct observation of housing conditions. Analyses were performed using SPSS version
25.0, with descriptive statistics summarised in frequency tables and Chi-square tests used to examine associations
between sociodemographic factors and overcrowding, with a p-value set at 5%.
Results: A total of 423 respondents participated (response rate: 99.8%), aged 17–85 years (mean = 46.1 ± 15.5). Males
constituted 66.7%, 94.3% had formal education, and 85.6% were gainfully employed. Overall, housing conditions were
poor across most indicators. Accessibility (77.1%), thermal comfort (68.1%), and lighting (60.3%) were relatively
adequate, while fewer households met standards for sanitation (39.7%), drainage (32.4%), potable water (23.4%), and
ventilation (22.7%). Most houses were concrete structures with zinc roofing (60.3%), and 19.9% of households were
overcrowded (mean household size = 7.4 ± 3.7). Settlement type and occupation were significantly associated with
overcrowding (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Housing in Benue South Senatorial District is moderately durable but marked by deficits in sanitation,
ventilation, and water access. With one-fifth of households overcrowded, the findings underscore the need for evidencebased housing policies and integrated interventions to enhance living conditions and promote public health in line with
the Sustainable Development Goals.