Influence of Subjective Factors on Window Use in Maternity Hospitals in Spring

Poor indoor air quality in maternity hospitals can spread respiratory diseases; however, limited research exists on modifiable factors like occupant behavior. This study explores subjective drivers of window-opening in maternity wards, using surveys and on-site measurements. Results show 71.4% of respondents stay less than 14 days, leading to dynamic and irregular window behavior. Comfort, particularly thermal comfort, air quality, and circulation, is the main driver for window operations. Especially at low temperatures, pregnant women’s comfort plays a critical role, while other factors increase in importance as temperatures rise. The results show that environmental factors drive window-opening, while indoor comfort drives closing. Occupants are more tolerant to humidity than thermal discomfort, but window adjustments are random. Moreover, respondents prioritize others’ needs in closing windows, where outdoor noise often serves as a key factor. The time also had a greater impact on both window opening and closing decisions, while field measurements confirm that time influences window-opening more than closing. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) analysis of the questionnaire data for ‘comfortable sensation’ showed that only ‘air circulation’ and ‘air humidity’ were correlated with comfort, whilst ‘heat sensation’ was the least correlated. The possible reason is that the questionnaire was conducted in the spring, when temperatures were within the comfort range, and therefore, occupants were more concerned with other factors. Window operations in maternity wards are a collective strategy for natural ventilation. This study shows that the factors affecting window use in maternity hospitals are different from other buildings, providing useful ideas for improving maternity ward design.