Geospatial patterns and socio-environmental factors of household overcrowding in Ethiopia: Evidence from 2019 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data

United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 11 aims make cities and human settlements safe, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable, with special emphasis on reducing overcrowding, adequate and healthy housing. However, many governments in the African continent are facing challenges with inadequate housing as population growth and livelihood coupled with insufficient infrastructure, grow faster than having affordable housing. This research study sought to explore spatial differences and factors associated with overcrowding among households in Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study design was utilized to engage a nationally representative dataset to understand the demographic, socio-economic and environmental factors of household overcrowding. Data analysis employed STATA 17, ArcGIS 10.8, and Kulldorff’s Sat Scan 10.2.5, with sampling weights applied to ensure robust statistical estimates. The prevalence of household overcrowding in Ethiopia was (69.62%), showing a higher burden in the Somali region (78.8%) and lower burden in Addis Ababa City (47.3%). The Sat Scan analysis revealed a significant cluster in the south and central regions (LLR = 9.10, P = 0.0051). Geographically weighted regression analysis revealed that lack of education, no attainment of primary education, lack of media exposure, more than five family members, and use of pastoralist livelihoods were spatial factors of household overcrowding in Ethiopia. The prevalence of household overcrowding in Ethiopia shows a relatively high prevalence compared to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study also showed that lack of education, limited attainment at the primary level, no media exposure, more than five family members, living on pastoralist region significant spatial factors of household overcrowding. Geographically tailored interventions including access to information in the northwest while higher education, improved livelihoods, infrastructure development, and culturally appropriate housing solutions in the east are required.