Assessment of Housing Conditions among the Residents of a Village in Rural Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Poor housing conditions contribute to respiratory infections, skin diseases, injuries, mental illness.
 Objective: To assess the housing standards of the residents of Mugalur village, Sarjapur PHC, Bangalore.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of 252 households in Mugalur village. A structured, face-validated questionnaire was developed to assess the housing conditions and scored on a scale of 0-20 with a higher score depicting better housing conditions.
 Results: The mean family size was 3.7 + 1.6, 222(88.1%) had Below Poverty Line card. The mean housing standard score was 12.0 + 2.5, 151(59.9%) houses were pucca. For drinking purposes, 138(54.5%) of the households bought water from Community Reverse Osmosis plant. Most of the households did not have exhaust vent 132(52.4%), adequate setback 133(52.8%) and waste segregation 169(67.1%). Toilet facility was present in 193(76.6%) of the households. The criterion for adequate sanitation was met by 35(13.8%) of the households, 252(100%) practiced inappropriate waste disposal. There was a significant association between the duration of stay and the mean housing standard score.
 Conclusion: The mean housing standard score was 12.0 + 2.5 out of a total score of 20. Areas for improvement were solid waste management and sullage disposal.