Facilities最新文献

{"title":"Enhancing FM digitalization strategies for shopping complexes amidst post-COVID-19: a case study analysis and improvement insights","authors":"Shirley Jin Lin Chua, Shiuan Ping Beh, Nik Elyna Myeda, Azlan Shah Ali","doi":"10.1108/f-09-2022-0120","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-09-2022-0120","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>This study aims to improve the use of digitalization in facilities management (FM) for shopping complex facilities in the post-COVID-19 era. The resumption of economic activities, especially in shopping complexes, poses challenges for FM with throngs of shoppers. To tackle these challenges, enhanced and innovative FM practices are necessary.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>The study used a qualitative research approach, incorporating case studies, interviews, observations and documentation. It focused on super-regional shopping complexes in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, selecting two complexes for qualitative data collection. Supplementary data were gathered from various sources, including government policy publications, websites, books, journal papers and archival records.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>The research provides valuable insights into FM innovations and the application of FM digitalization in shopping complexes after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also addresses challenges faced by FM teams during this period. Recommendations for implementing FM digitalization in super-regional shopping complexes post-COVID-19 include developing skilled personnel, defining appropriate work scopes, strategies and policies, using cost-effective software, and increasing occupant awareness. The involvement of outsourced service providers is advised, emphasizing their understanding of the organization’s business model and innovative approaches.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>The findings offer new perspectives on the characteristics of FM digitalization in the commercial sector during business disruptions caused by the pandemic. The proposed strategies are grounded in real industry implementations, aiming to enhance the FM digitalization approach for improved business performance.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"94 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140149681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alumni association’s participation in plant maintenance for effective implementation of universal basic education (UBE) programme in Kogi state","authors":"Phebe Hassana Obaka, Seyi Julian Adelegan, Leonard Shaibu","doi":"10.1108/f-03-2023-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-03-2023-0021","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;h3&gt;Purpose&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000&lt;p&gt;The level of deterioration of educational facilities, such as leaking classroom roofs, inadequate good seats, obsolete offices, broken shutters and doors, outdated school buildings, power plants and office equipment like ICT media, laboratories, offices and workshops, despite the involvement of Alumni association in the maintenance of educational facilities for the effective actualization of school objectives was a worrisome nightmare in Kogi state. This, therefore, prompted the researchers to explore the Alumni’s participation in plant maintenance for effective implementation of the universal basic education (UBE) programme in public junior secondary schools in Kogi state. The purpose of this study was guided by the research question which stated that to what extent does the Alumni Association participate in plant maintenance for effective implementation of the UBE programme in public junior secondary schools in Kogi state?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;!--/ Abstract__block --&gt;\u0000&lt;h3&gt;Design/methodology/approach&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000&lt;p&gt;A quantitative research approach using a descriptive survey was adopted for the study. The sample was drawn using a proportionate stratified sampling technique comprising 387 participants which consisted of 191 (49%) urban junior secondary school principals and 196 (51%) rural principals in selected UBE junior secondary schools. Alumni’s Participation in Plant Maintenance Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The data were analysed with the aid of mean and standard deviation for the research question and z-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance and the value of z-crit. of 1.96 was used to determine the rejection or otherwise of the hypotheses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;!--/ Abstract__block --&gt;\u0000&lt;h3&gt;Findings&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000&lt;p&gt;The descriptive analysis revealed that the average mean set of 2.64 pointed to the fact that the respondents averagely agreed that there was a high extent to which Alumni participate in plant maintenance in urban than rural areas for effective implementation of the UBE programme in public junior secondary schools in Kogi state. This indicates that Alumni contribute to the management of UBE schools in Kogi state, especially in the areas of funding, infrastructural facilities, discipline, politics and quality control. This finding also shows that the contributions of the alumni to educational institutions are still unclear if they have made contributions to education in some areas and none in other areas making their relevance to plant maintenance unclear.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;!--/ Abstract__block --&gt;\u0000&lt;h3&gt;Research limitations/implications&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000&lt;p&gt;In terms of practical implications, the study has contributed to knowledge in that it is the first of this form of a study carried out in Kogi state, and as such the findings of the research will make contributions to the physique of information on plant maintenance for the profitable implementation of the UBE programme in Kogi state. Besides, the degree of plant preservation for the implementatio","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"82 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140149708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A quantitative approach to investigate factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria","authors":"Mala Ali Modu, Maimunah Sapri, Zafirah Ab Muin","doi":"10.1108/f-03-2023-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-03-2023-0025","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>Social housing offers occupants comfort, safety and protection against extreme weather conditions. However, social housing occupants in various regions of Nigeria face various challenges. This paper aims to use a quantitative approach to examine the factors that contribute to the challenges faced by occupants in social housing within a semi-arid climate of Nigeria.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>An exploratory cross-sectional survey was used to administer 1,032 copies of structured questionnaires to occupants of social housing in Maiduguri, one of the largest urban centers of the semi-arid climate in Nigeria. A total of 955 responses were retrieved, giving a response rate of 92.5%. The statistical model used in analyzing data was relative importance indices and factor analysis.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>The results show that poor quality of FM services provided, poor maintenance of building components, damage to materials and valuables in the Harmattan period and housekeeping problems due to dust deposition in doors, while the poor response to occupants’ complaints/reports is the least among the occupants’ challenges in order of importance. Moreover, the results of the factor analysis further established that inadequate FM services and poor environmental conditions are the two factors contributing to the occupants’ challenges in social housing within the semi-arid climate of Nigeria.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This paper seeks to examine the factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria. The paper should inform policymakers, academics and professionals.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"134 2-3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140006211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sourcing approach for facilities management services in social housing within the semi-arid climate of Nigeria","authors":"Mala Ali Modu, Maimunah Sapri, Zafirah Ab Muin","doi":"10.1108/f-03-2023-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-03-2023-0018","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>The provision of facilities management (FM) services, facilitated by a well-suited sourcing strategy, significantly influences the optimization of dwelling unit performance, augmentation of occupants’ living experiences and the establishment of a secure and comfortable environment. Consequently, this study aims to examine the sourcing approach used for delivering FM services in social housing within Nigeria’s semi-arid climate and to assess the effectiveness of the chosen sourcing approach in the provision of FM services.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>Data collection involved one-on-one interviews conducted with five principal/senior staff members of the Borno State Housing Corporation in Maiduguri, Northern Nigeria. For data analysis, the NVivo R1 software package and Stata 13.0 were used. Thematic analysis was applied to the data, and the findings were presented through narrations and direct quotes from participants. Logistic regression analysis was subsequently used to assess the effectiveness of the adopted in-house approach in providing FM services in the context of social housing.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>Administrators of social housing in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria exclusively adopted an in-house sourcing approach for providing FM services. Nevertheless, the in-house approach was conclusively determined to be ineffective in delivering FM services within the specific context of social housing in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This investigation centred on examining the sourcing strategy used by social housing administrators for delivering FM services in social housing within a semi-arid climate of Nigeria. Additionally, the study delved into evaluating the efficacy of the chosen sourcing approach in the actual provision of FM services.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139977916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HVAC maintainability risks in healthcare facilities: a design optimization perspective","authors":"Hassan Th. Alassafi, Khalid S. Al-Gahtani, Abdulmohsen S. Almohsen, Abdullah M. Alsugair","doi":"10.1108/f-09-2022-0121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-09-2022-0121","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems are crucial in daily health-care facility services. Design-related defects can lead to maintenance issues, causing service disruptions and cost overruns. These defects can be avoided if a link between the early design stages and maintenance feedback is established. This study aims to use experts’ experience in HVAC maintenance in health-care facilities to list and evaluate the risk of each maintenance issue caused by a design defect, supported by the literature.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>Following semistructured interviews with experts, 41 maintenance issues were identified as the most encountered issues. Subsequently, a survey was conducted in which 44 participants evaluated the probability and impact of each design-caused issue.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>Chillers were identified as the HVAC components most prone to design defects and cost impact. However, air distribution ducts and air handling units are the most critical HVAC components for maintaining healthy conditions inside health-care facilities.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Research limitations/implications</h3>\u0000<p>The unavailability of comprehensive data on the cost impacts of all design-related defects from multiple health-care facilities limits the ability of HVAC designers to furnish case studies and quantitative approaches.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This study helps HVAC designers acquire prior knowledge of decisions that may have led to unnecessary and avoidable maintenance. These design-related maintenance issues may cause unfavorable health and cost consequences.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140036132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fundamentals of cancer treatment service design: a guideline considering the healing environment concept","authors":"Ilkay Cankurtaran, M. Halis Gunel","doi":"10.1108/f-12-2022-0158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-12-2022-0158","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>Cancer has become a priority among today’s health problems. Therefore, providing facilities that ensure high-quality cancer treatment has become an essential design problem. Additionally, a considerable number of studies have introduced the ‘healing environment concept’ as a substantial input for healthcare buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present a design guide for cancer treatment services that is compatible with the healing environment concept.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>In this context, studies on the healing environment have been analyzed, and the legislation of some selected countries has been assessed. Then, all the filtered data are used to form the design guideline for chemotherapy department, radiation oncology department and inpatient care services under a new series of analysis criteria.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>The resulting principles are revealed according to the criteria of general settlement principles, internal function relations, medical necessities, user experience, interior design, social interaction/privacy, safety, landscape design and outdoor relations by the help of proposed plans, diagrams and schematic drawings.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This research constitutes the first and yet only study in its field that aims to increase efficiency and user satisfaction and provide better patient-centered care while providing a design guide on health-care architecture.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"136 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139768682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of classroom acoustics and noise on high school students’ listening, learning and well-being: a scoping review","authors":"Kiri Mealings, Joerg M. Buchholz","doi":"10.1108/f-06-2023-0049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-06-2023-0049","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>The purpose of this paper is to systematically map research on the effect of classroom acoustics and noise on high school students’ listening, learning and well-being, as well as identify knowledge gaps to inform future research.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR protocol. A comprehensive search of four online databases (ERIC, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) was conducted. Peer-reviewed papers were included if they conducted a study on the effect of classroom acoustics or noise on students’ listening, learning or well-being; had a clear definition of the noise level measurement; were conducted with high school students; and had the full text in English available.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>In total, 14 papers met the criteria to be included in the review. The majority of studies assessed the impact of noise on students’ listening, learning or well-being. Overall, the results showed that higher noise levels have a negative effect on students’ listening, learning and well-being. Effects were even more pronounced for students who were non-native speakers or those with special educational needs such as hearing loss. Therefore, it would be beneficial to limit unnecessary noise in the classroom as much as possible through acoustic insulation, acoustic treatment and classroom management strategies.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This paper is the first review paper to synthesize previous research on the effect of classroom acoustics and noise on high school students’ listening, learning and well-being. It provides an analysis of the limitations of existing literature and proposes future research to help fill in these gaps.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"81 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139679531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the influence of technological innovations and community-based facilities management on the safety and security of universities. A case study of an open campus","authors":"Alireza Moghayedi, Kathy Michell, Karen Le Jeune, Mark Massyn","doi":"10.1108/f-05-2023-0041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-05-2023-0041","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>Safety and security (S&amp;S) are critical concerns in South Africa, especially in Cape Town, one of the country’s most crime-ridden cities. The University of Cape Town (UCT), situated on a large, open campus, has experienced increased malefaction. Facilities management (FM) services at universities bear the primary responsibility for providing S&amp;S to their communities. To comprehensively understand and address the community’s demands regarding S&amp;S, the current study was conducted to investigate the challenges specific to open universities. This study aims to determine whether implementing community-based FM (CbFM) principles and using technological innovations could offer a more effective and sustainable solution.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>The study adopted interpretivist overarching case study methodology, which is ontologically based. A mixed-method approach was used to incorporate the strengths and limitations of the weaknesses of both methods. The data collection took the form of an online survey of the university community and semi-structured interviews with university executive management to obtain data from the single case study of UCT. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes from the qualitative data.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>The study presents an overall view of the provision of S&amp;S at UCT, the unique challenges faced by management and the main S&amp;S issues affecting the community. Moreover, the study reveals that UCT has implemented community participation processes in the past with limited success. This is because the strategies implemented constitute a narrow perspective of community participation. Therefore, a much smarter and more inclusive perspective using technological innovation is required for successful community participation to occur and to be successfully used in providing S&amp;S toward achieving future-proofing facilities.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This research has demonstrated the influence of CbFM and innovative technologies on the S&amp;S of the open campus. Hence, future-proof facilities can be achieved when FM actively engages university communities in managing campuses through technological innovation.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"332 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139645092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of work order processing in different facilities: a questionnaire-based survey","authors":"Mahnaz Ensafi, Walid Thabet, Deniz Besiktepe","doi":"10.1108/f-05-2023-0048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-05-2023-0048","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>The aim of this paper was to study current practices in FM work order processing to support and improve decision-making. Processing and prioritizing work orders constitute a critical part of facilities and maintenance management practices given the large amount of work orders submitted daily. User-driven approaches (UDAs) are currently more prevalent for processing and prioritizing work orders but have challenges including inconsistency and subjectivity. Data-driven approaches can provide an advantage over user-driven ones in work-order processing; however, specific data requirements need to be identified to collect and process the functional data needed while achieving more consistent and accurate results.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>This paper presents the findings of an online survey conducted with facility management (FM) experts who are directly or indirectly involved in processing work orders in building maintenance.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>The findings reflect the current practices of 71 survey participants on data requirements, criteria selection, rankings, with current shortcomings and challenges in prioritizing work orders. In addition, differences between criteria and their ranking within participants’ experience, facility types and facility sizes are investigated. The findings of the study provide a snapshot of the current practices in FM work order processing, which aids in developing a comprehensive framework to support data-driven decision-making and address the challenges with UDAs.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>Although previous studies have explored the use of selected criteria for processing and prioritizing work orders, this paper investigated a comprehensive list of criteria used by various facilities for processing work orders. Furthermore, previous studies are focused on the processing and prioritization stage, whereas this paper explored the data collected following the completion of the maintenance tasks and the benefits it can provide for processing future work orders. In addition, previous studies have focused on one specific stage of work order processing, whereas this paper investigated the common data between different stages of work order processing for enhanced FM.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139581031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Level of independence, anxiety and relevant challenges among persons with disabilities towards their use of facilities in public buildings","authors":"Obinna Chinedu Okezue, Madonna Uzoigwe, Livinus Ekene Ugwu, Jeneviv Nene John, Davidson Okwudili John, Ukamaka Gloria Mgbeojedo","doi":"10.1108/f-06-2023-0053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/f-06-2023-0053","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\u0000<p>This study aims to explore the level of independence among persons with disabilities (PWDs) towards their use of public buildings’ facilities, as well as assess the anxiety and relevant challenges regarding such use.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\u0000<p>In a cross-sectional survey design, 91 consenting PWDs were recruited via purposive sampling at diverse locations and invited to complete self-report questionnaires on their use of public buildings’ facilities.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Findings</h3>\u0000<p>Only 19 PWDs (20.9%) were able to independently use such facilities. The participants’ level of anxiety, observed to be mostly severe (41.7%), was significantly associated with sex and affected body region (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Most PWDs identified “lack of amenities” (85.7%), “inconvenience” (78%) and “safety issues” (59.4%) as relevant challenges towards the use of public buildings’ facilities.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Research limitations/implications</h3>\u0000<p>This research emphasises the urgent need to universally improve PWDs’ level of independence towards the use of public buildings’ facilities alongside eradicating anxiety and challenges experienced towards such use. Accessibility ought to be promoted among PWDs, with specific attention given to women and those affected in multiple body regions; as such populations are prone to experiencing substantial anxiety. This approach should entail the provision of barrier-free facilities as well as ensuring their safe and convenient use by PWDs.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\u0000<h3>Originality/value</h3>\u0000<p>This study sought and provided key feedback from PWDs on the current built environment, which ought to be considered by relevant stakeholders to improve accessibility, promote well-being and contribute towards meeting the global goals of reducing inequality and making cities/communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":47595,"journal":{"name":"Facilities","volume":"57 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139475796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}