COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN MINNA.

Abstract

This study on comparative analysis of sick building syndrome was carried out on residential properties in Kpakungu, Bosso Estate and Zarumai Quarters in Minna. The study identifies and analyzes the level of occurrence of the symptoms and analyzes the factors that induce sick building syndrome in residential properties, as well as the prevailing factors of sick building syndrome in the selected neighbourhoods in Minna. The sample size for the study is 504, comprising of Kpakungu (298), Bosso Estate (184) and Zarumai Quarters (22). The questionnaires were partly derived from the MM040 prototype questionnaire and were distributed to the sample size. The methods adopted for the analysis of data include descriptive analysis, as well as inferential statistics; ANOVA and factor analysis. The results for ANOVA show that p-value = 0.088937 > 0.05 which implies that there are differing symptoms being reported in the three neighbourhoods. It further implies that occupants of a particular neighbourhood experience more symptoms than the other. The factor analysis revealed the physical factor as the prevalent factor of sick building syndrome and it consists 38.57% variance which comprises indoor heat, poor indoor air, inadequate natural light, poor property maintenance, poor building design, noise and inadequate ventilation as the dominant variables that contribute to sick building syndrome in the three neighbourhoods in Minna. The study recommends that urban forest should be adopted to lower noise levels, filter air of pollutants and serve as recreational area for mental stress relief for residents. Exhaust fans should be used indoor to expel indoor moisture and create indoor comfort. Dampness in building should be prevented. Defects in properties should rectified and properties should also be well maintained.