Association between housing characteristics and population health Housing and health: A correlational study

Aim: Human health can be significantly influenced by both the internal and external environment of housing. The aim of the study is to measure the association between housing characteristics and some clinical manifestations in the population living in the city of Agadir, Morocco. Material and Methods: This is a correlational study, which covered 26 streets divided into three sectors in five districts of Agadir city in southern Morocco. All persons in the study area who agreed to complete the questionnaire were recruited, excluding the foreign population and healthcare workers. The sample size was 73 houses occupied by 420 people. We have designed a questionnaire for data collection based on characteristics of the housing, outdoor environment, clinical manifestations, and general maintenance and equipment. Four samples of household dust were analyzed using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Results: The most important clinical manifestations experienced by the population were of a nervous, respiratory, ophthalmic and rhinolaryngological natures. They are explained principally by age, the number of hours spent in the house, the occupied floor, allergies and medical consultations. Living in sector C appears to be a risk factor (RR - 1.21 [C195% 1.06 - 1.38], p < 0.05). There is a statistically significant association between the presence of dust in the home and clinical manifestations (RR = 1.20 [C195% 1.05 - 1.37], p < 0.05). These disorders are also linked to the orientation of houses towards the Northeast (RR = 1.45 (C195% 1.33 - 1.661 p < 0.05), dust extraction and ventilation. The composition of the household dust samples indicates a probable continental and marine source. Discussion: These results suggest that the risk of developing health disorders is related to both the indoor and outdoor environment of the housing.