Associations Between Perceptions of Indoor Environmental Quality and Satisfaction with Life Among Residents in Saudi Arabia

Authors

• Hatim M. Badri, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.Follow
• Wahaj A. Khan, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
• Mohammad N. Shah, Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
• Osama A. Banah, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
• Mohamed Osman Elamin, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
• Rakan Ekram, Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
• Rayan Khayat, Department of Health Administration and Hospitals, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
• Abdullah Muhammad Alzhrani, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
• Baraa Sami Quronfulah, Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University. Makkah, Saudi Arabia
• Muath Ahmed Aldomini, Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University. Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Indoor residential environments influence physical and mental health, but evidence linking perceived Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) to Satisfaction With Life (SWL) in Saudi Arabia is limited. This study explored residents’ perceptions of IEQ and its association with SWL.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (March–April 2025) was conducted among adults (≥18 years) in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling. A total of 451 participants completed a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, one-way ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression to identify IEQ predictors of low SWL (≤20), adjusting for age, sex, and BMI.

Results: The mean SWL score was 24.81 ± 6.90, with 26.8% (n = 121) classified as having low SWL. Most IEQ dimensions were positively associated with SWL, particularly room size, window size, ventilation, and daytime noise comfort (r = 0.24–0.27, all p < 0.001), unpleasant odours, excess humidity, and excess dryness showed negative associations (r = –0.14 to –0.21, all p ≤ 0.004). In adjusted logistic regression, daytime noise comfort, room-size satisfaction, daytime temperature comfort, daytime lighting comfort, and ventilation satisfaction were independently associated with lower odds of low SWL (OR = 0.64–0.76, all p ≤ 0.008), unpleasant odour frequency predicted higher odds (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.08–1.57, p = 0.006).

Conclusion: Perceived residential IEQ is significantly associated with SWL among Saudi adults, highlighting the importance of indoor environmental conditions in promoting well-being.

Recommended Citation

Badri H, Khan W, Shah M, et al. Associations Between Perceptions of Indoor Environmental Quality and Satisfaction with Life Among Residents in Saudi Arabia. J Health Res. 2026; 40(1):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1197

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