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<p>Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical yet underexplored determinant of health and productivity in tropical office environments where limited natural ventilation and infrastructure may influence pollutant build-up. This study investigates how architectural features in government office buildings in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria, relate to IAQ and are associated with worker well-being and efficiency. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across 57 office spaces, combining IAQ measurements (CO, CO₂, PM₂.₅, HCHO, TVOCs, temperature, and humidity), which were measured using a validated multi-sensor device with structured questionnaires assessing health symptoms and productivity. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, multivariate binary logistic regression, and general linear models (GLM), were used to evaluate the relationships between architectural parameters, IAQ, and occupant outcomes while adjusting for demographic and environmental covariates. Architectural variables, including window type and size, headroom, material finishes, and proximity to pollution sources, significantly predicted variations in IAQ levels (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001–0.045). Relative to casement windows, offices utilising only projecting windows recorded significantly higher mean CO₂ (421.1 ppm) compared to mixed-louvre types (402.3 ppm) (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Elevated PM₂.₅ and HCHO levels were significantly associated with increased reports of headaches (AOR = 2.14, <i>p</i> = 0.034) and eye irritation (AOR = 12.52, <i>p</i> = 0.044), respectively, while higher CO₂ concentrations were strongly linked to reduced composite productivity scores (β = -0.88, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Window design emerged as a significant predictor of both health and productivity outcomes, accounting for 27.2% of the variance in productivity scores (ηp² = 0.272) and presenting a 16-fold risk increase for headaches in offices with projecting windows (AOR = 16.92), highlighting the mediating roles of ventilation strategies. The findings from this study establish a clear link between architectural design, IAQ, and occupational well-being. They support the integration of IAQ-sensitive and climate-responsive strategies, including improved ventilation, low-emission materials, and strategic office siting into workplace design and policy to improve occupant health and performance in tropical work environments.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Built environment and occupational well-being: architecturally influenced indoor air quality and its impact on health and productivity in tropical office settings

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月27日

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  • Amaka-Anolue Martha Basil,
  • Chiamaka Christiana Okwuosa,
  • Edidiong Ukpong,
  • Bruno Basil,
  • Eziyi Offia Ibem

摘要

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical yet underexplored determinant of health and productivity in tropical office environments where limited natural ventilation and infrastructure may influence pollutant build-up. This study investigates how architectural features in government office buildings in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria, relate to IAQ and are associated with worker well-being and efficiency. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted across 57 office spaces, combining IAQ measurements (CO, CO₂, PM₂.₅, HCHO, TVOCs, temperature, and humidity), which were measured using a validated multi-sensor device with structured questionnaires assessing health symptoms and productivity. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, multivariate binary logistic regression, and general linear models (GLM), were used to evaluate the relationships between architectural parameters, IAQ, and occupant outcomes while adjusting for demographic and environmental covariates. Architectural variables, including window type and size, headroom, material finishes, and proximity to pollution sources, significantly predicted variations in IAQ levels (p < 0.001–0.045). Relative to casement windows, offices utilising only projecting windows recorded significantly higher mean CO₂ (421.1 ppm) compared to mixed-louvre types (402.3 ppm) (p < 0.001). Elevated PM₂.₅ and HCHO levels were significantly associated with increased reports of headaches (AOR = 2.14, p = 0.034) and eye irritation (AOR = 12.52, p = 0.044), respectively, while higher CO₂ concentrations were strongly linked to reduced composite productivity scores (β = -0.88, p = 0.004). Window design emerged as a significant predictor of both health and productivity outcomes, accounting for 27.2% of the variance in productivity scores (ηp² = 0.272) and presenting a 16-fold risk increase for headaches in offices with projecting windows (AOR = 16.92), highlighting the mediating roles of ventilation strategies. The findings from this study establish a clear link between architectural design, IAQ, and occupational well-being. They support the integration of IAQ-sensitive and climate-responsive strategies, including improved ventilation, low-emission materials, and strategic office siting into workplace design and policy to improve occupant health and performance in tropical work environments.

Graphical Abstract