Definition of Housing – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Community Health Nursing” prescribed by the Universities of Bangladesh- for Basic and diploma nursing students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics.
This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
Definition of Housing
Definition of housing
Housing may be defined as “A healthful residential accommodation in which the family can develop and flourish physically, mentally and socially.”
Or
The WHO prefers to use the term ‘residential environment’ by replacing housing which is defined
as- “The physical structure that man uses and the environs of that structure including all necessary services, facilities, equipment and devices needed or desired for the physical and mental health and the social wellbeing of the family and the individual”.
Or
Housing refers to houses or buildings collectively; accommodation of people; planning or provision of accommodation by an authority; and related meanings. The social issue is of ensuring that members of society have a home in which to live, whether this is a house, or some other kind of dwelling, lodging, or shelter.
Criteria of healthful (good) housing
An Expert Committee of the WHO recommended the following criteria for healthful housing:
1. Healthful housing provides physical protection and shelter.
2. Provides adequately for cooking, eating, washing and excretory functions.
3. It is designed, constructed, maintained and used in a manner such as to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
4. It should protect people from hazards of noise and pollution.
5. It is free from unsafe physical arrangements due to construction or maintenance, and from toxic or harmful materials, and f. It encourages personal and community development, promotes social relationships, reflects a regard for ecological principles and by these means promote mental health.
Functions of housing
1. To provide shelter and privacy;
2. Protection from noise and pollution hazards;
3. Protection from excess heat and cold;
4. Adequate light without undue glare;
5. Protection against natural elements such as direct sunlight, rain, thunderstorms etc.
6. Protection against diseases and accidents.
7. Housing keeps away from rodents and insects. 8. To establish normal social and community life,
8. Housing develops mental well-being and happiness.
Effects/ Hazards of poor housing
1. Cold and dampness for a long time frequently cause stiff joints and muscular aches. This also promotes respiratory tract infection.
2. Excess heat or moisture for a long time may cause heat stress; chloride and water loss through heavy sweating may cause cramps and heat exhaustion.
3. Excessive or inadequate lighting cause strain on eyes.
4. Overcrowding in the room may promote cross infection between family members by droplet infection.
5. Contaminated water supplies cause gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease etc.
6. Underground or overhead water tanks, if not properly covered or washed periodically, are thebreeding places for the Aedes mosquitoes.
7. Stagnant waste water in the latrines and drains are the breeding places for Culex mosquitoes.
8. Dustbins and the refuse are the breeding places for the flies and other insects.
9. Wastes in the kitchen and uncovered leftover food are feasts for rodents and vermins.
10. Non-impervious floor invite rats and termits.
11. Faulty electric wiring may cause fire and electrocution
12. Smooth, slimy and highly polished surface invite falls and accidents.
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