Satisfaction with Life in Public Housing in Ogun State, Nigeria: A Research Note

Studies have shown that there is a significant positive relationship between residential satisfaction and quality of life. However, little is known of the extent to which residential satisfaction influences satisfaction with life (SWL) and the aspects of housing that can be manipulated to enhance SWL. This study examined SWL and factors affecting it among 452 residents in public housing in urban areas of Ogun State Southwest Nigeria using data derived from a questionnaire survey conducted between December 2009 and February 2010. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor and categorical regression analyses. Results show that most (61 %) of the respondents were satisfied with life, while the regression model explained 44 % of variation in the respondents’ levels of SWL in their current residences. Employment and tenure status, satisfaction with the sizes of main activity areas of dwelling units, housing services, management of the housing estates, building materials, privacy and the cost of housing were the significant predictors of SWL in the housing estates. A key finding of this study is that satisfaction with the sizes of living/dining space, bedrooms, toilets, and bathrooms is critical in enhancing residents’ SWL in public housing.