Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 5, No. 2, 2007
Pages 89-96
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/7002.50.0210
Housing Characteristics, Neighbourhood Factors and Psychological Distress in Ibadan, Nigeria
C.O. Olatubara1 & Abidemi R. Asiyanbola2
1Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan
2Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Faculty of the Social Sciences,
Olabisi Onabanjo Universitv, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
Abstract
This paper examines the influence of housing characteristics and ueighbourhood conditions on the psychological distress of residents in the traditional African city of Ibadan, Nigeria, A cross-sectional survey of 721 households was carried out in order to provide the requisite data [or this paper. Questionnaires were administered on households in selected residential neighbourhoods. The data used included the characteristics of each residence and neighbourhood as well as tell items of psychological distress that reflect various symptoms, including aspects of anxiety and depression. The results indicated that households with low psychological distress levels were more concerned about the characteristics of their house. while those with high levels of psychological distress have a higher association with their neighbourhood characteristics. It is, therefore, necessary that planners and policymakers seek to do more than merely providing housing: they should also anticipate the various psychological conditions that may ensue from the type: and characteristics of housing provided.
Keywords: Housing, psychological distress, neighbourhood characteristics, Ibadan