Determining the health risk factors impacting residents living in dilapilated buildings in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

In most developing countries such as South Africa, the phenomenon of buildings dilapidation has persisted in cities. Despite endeavors by the government, municipalities and others to eliminate this point of contention, the problem has remained. In different metropolitan areas such as Durban, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg in South Africa, the existence and effects of disrepair continue to increase. The primary purpose of the study was to determine the health risk factors impacting occupants of a dilapidated building in Durban, South Africa. A dilapidated building is any building exhibiting signs of being a health hazard. This can be determined by factors such as unsanitary conditions, unsightliness, over-crowding, poor ventilation, mismanagement of refuse or waste, and poor maintenance of the building. A dilapidated building was purposely selected in South Beach, Durban. This is a residential building that satisfied the definition of 'dilapidated building’. The dwelling houses 600 people occupying 140 units. The minimum sample size was 103 Units. The head of the household or his/her proxy was targeted to participate in each unit. The research instrument used to collect primary data was a questionnaire and an inspection survey. Data analysis included descriptive, inferential statistical analysis carried out using the Social Sciences Statistical Package (SPSS Version 26.0 IBM). A Chi squared statistical test of independence and Phi Coefficient and Cramer's V Correlation test has shown a statistical significant association between the painful ankles experienced and the non-use of the elevator to reach the upper floors (p=0.002, phi and V=0.351), crime and depression/ anxiety (p=0.003, phi and V=0.018), lack of air circulation through open windows and TB (p=0.035, phi and V=0.197), as well as enervated waste removal versus medical attention seeking (p=0.003, phi and V=0.197). This research highlights that conditions in a dilapidated building linked strongly with adverse health outcomes of the occupants. A wide range of risk groups has affected occupants’ health, mainly from poor solid waste management, crowded units, and crime. Dilapidated building conditions were linked to a wide range of health problems and symptoms including respiratory infections, headaches, sleepless asthma, crime, ankle pain and mental health. Interventions to ensure healthy buildings and to prevent building dilapidation require a tripartite approach including government, building owners and occupants, with every stakeholder having a role to play in ensuring building health.