Environment–Behaviour Dynamics in Informal Settlements and Health Outcomes in Lagos, Nigeria

Oluwafemi Kehinde Akande; Ayuba Bassa John; Michael Adelowo  Adebamowo; Tenigbade Yewande Odu; Olufunmilola Adetayo Obakin; Rohanna  Sham; Henry Ogunjobi

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7788

Authors

Oluwafemi Kehinde Akande Department of Architecture, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
Ayuba Bassa John Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
Michael Adelowo Adebamowo Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
Tenigbade Yewande Odu Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
Olufunmilola Adetayo Obakin Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Rohanna Sham Strategic Research Institute, Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Jalan Innovasi 6, Technology Park Malaysia 57000, Kuala Lumpur
Henry Ogunjobi 59 East Hill Wandsworth SW18 2QE United Kingdom.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7788

Keywords:

Informal urban expansion, Housing quality, Environmental health, Environment–behavior

Abstract

Rapid informal development is altering residential settings and everyday behaviours, with implications for health. Quantitative data (n = 184) was utilized to analyse the environment-behavior dynamics that link housing problems, infrastructural inadequacies, and health hazards in Lagos informal settlements. The findings show that widespread perceptions of poor housing, weak design, and restricted services influence hygiene behaviours and exposure to environmental dangers. Malaria, respiratory infections, and mental stress were common and behavioural adaptation and governance weaknesses seem major mediators. The study concludes that integrated housing-health interventions, improved infrastructure, and participatory upgrading are critical for creating healthier, more resilient informal urban communities.

Author Biography

Oluwafemi Kehinde Akande, Department of Architecture, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

Department of Architecture/ Professor

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