IMPACT OF HOUSING QUALITY ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF RESIDENTS OF ONA-ARA LOCAL GOVERNMENT OYO STATE: APPLICATION OF BODY MASS INDEX

This study examined the impact of housing quality on the health status of residents of Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the concepts of healthy housing while data were sourced primarily and secondarily. A multi stage procedure was adopted in which the two housing schemes in Ona-Ara were purposively selected. Consequently, 150 houses constituting 50% of 300 houses enumerated were picked for the study. Thereafter, questionnaire containing the social structural characteristics, hosing condition and the relationship between housing condition and the health status were administered to the residents in the study area. Data were analysed using correlation, while health status was measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The study revealed, residents in Ogbere housing estate exhibited higher rates of overweight BMI. There was a significant association between housing quality and health status (r). There was a health risk associated with substandard housing. Therefore, raising awareness, adherence to sanitation laws, promoting healthy lifestyles are recommended.