Assessment of the Environmental Causes of Dampness, the Associated Flora and the Health Implications in the Students’ Lodges at College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okofia, Anambra State, Nigeria.

This study assessed the environmental causes of dampness, the associated flora and the health implications in the students’ lodges at the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okofia, Anambra State. The study is to identify the prevalence of molds and dampness, and determine the association between exposure to them and the reported health outcomes A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A total of 154 structured questionnaires were administered and retrieved (100% response rate). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at a 5% level of significance. Laboratory analysis of surface swab samples were conducted to provide microbiological and environmental validation of findings. Findings revealed approximately 81.8% of respondents reported moderate to high visible Aspergillusfumigatus, Aspergillusniger, Fusarium species, and Penicillium species presence, while 81.9% indicated moderate to high dampness signs. Severe mold/dampness conditions were reported by 48.1% of respondents. Respiratory and allergic symptoms were widespread, with 81.8% reporting frequent cough, nasal congestion, and sneezing. More than half (52.6%) experienced symptoms very often, and 82% reported symptom reduction when away from the lodge environment. The Pearson Chi-squared test showed a statistically significant association between mold/dampness exposure and respiratory or allergic health outcomes (χ² = 42.891, p < 0.05), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. Laboratory findings confirmed fungal contamination in 55% of sampled surfaces, with fungal loads ranging from 1 × 10² to 2 × 10⁵ cfu/g. Identified isolates included Aspergillusfumigatus, Aspergillusniger, Fusarium species, and Penicillium species. Observational assessment further revealed presence of visible mold, inadequate ventilation, leakage and flooding with poor structural conditions as the major environmental causes of dampness in the assessed lodges. The study concludes that mold and dampness are prevalent environmental health hazards in the lodges that were studied at College of Health Sciences and Technology, Okofia and are significantly associated with adverse respiratory outcomes among students Strengthened students housing maintenance policies in higher institution , improved ventilation systems and regular indoor air monitoring in lodges, prompt moisture control, provision of adequate drainage systems and other effective remediation strategies are recommended to enhance lodges’ indoor environmental quality and to protect students’ health. For further research, a longitudinal survey can be conducted to enhance a more precise and comprehensive results.

Dampness, Mold, Lodges, Students, Health.

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