The Role of Climatic Factors on the Health of Rural Settlements in Iran

Health is one of the main axes of sustainable development and has a main role in flourishing and improving the quality of life. Housing, as an important factor can have a direct impact on human health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the climatic elements on rural housing and their impact on the health of villagers.

This research is a descriptive cross-sectional study of the housing health status of 1150 households in 2020 which was done by a library research method (statistical data of Sarvabad city health center) and a field study method (interview and questionnaire). The studied index of climatic factors includes four elements of radiation, heat, humidity and wind, which have the greatest impact on the housing of villagers.

Field surveys in Pirshalyar district showed that more than 67% of mountainous settlements are south-west. 23% of other settlements are located in the north, east and west. Sunlight illuminates only 20 to 25 percent of the home space. Villagers usually thicken the walls to withstand the temperature (heat and cold). Also, it was shown that the average diameter of dry walls is between 100 and 75 cm. The results showed that 89% of the first-floor residential units are wet and damp. Wind flow in some seasons causes the spread of germs and parasites in the villages.