Effects of Climate on Secondary Hospitals in Relation to Indoor Environmental Quality in Kwara State (Published)
This study examines the influence of external climatic conditions on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in selected secondary healthcare facilities across Kwara State, Nigeria. IEQ—comprising thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, acoustics, and humidity—is a critical determinant of patient recovery, staff productivity, and overall healthcare performance. Using a quantitative, climate-responsive analytical approach, ten-year meteorological datasets (2014–2024) obtained from NiMet and other global databases were analysed alongside spatial characteristics of hospital locations across the three senatorial districts. Findings reveal significant microclimatic variations within the state, with northern zones experiencing higher temperatures and humidity influenced by riverine systems, while southern zones exhibit relatively cooler but highly humid wet-season conditions. Seasonal monsoon–Harmattan transitions strongly affect indoor thermal balance, ventilation potential, and moisture levels, thereby shaping health risks such as respiratory discomfort, microbial growth, and thermal stress. The study establishes that hospital buildings function as climatic filters whose effectiveness depends largely on orientation, material selection, ventilation design, and solar control strategies. It concludes that climate-responsive architectural design is essential for improving IEQ in tropical healthcare environments and recommends integrating passive cooling, controlled daylighting, and moisture management into hospital planning to enhance resilience, sustainability, and patient-centred healing outcomes.
Keywords: Climate, Kwara State, Nigeria, indoor environmental quality, secondary hospitals