URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION AMONG URBAN RESIDENTS IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Urban environments increasingly influence population health by shaping opportunities for physical activity, healthy dietary practices, exposure to pollutants and access to supportive community resources. This study examined the influence of urban environmental planning on non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention among adult residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A sample of 422 adult residents was selected through a multistage sampling procedure, while 403 valid questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that urban environmental planning conditions were moderate overall (mean = 2.68), although access to green spaces and recreational facilities and air-quality conditions were rated low. Respondents demonstrated a moderate level of NCD-prevention practices (mean = 2.76), with awareness of NCD risk factors recording the highest rating and avoidance of pollution exposure recording the lowest. Significant positive relationships existed between walkability and transport infrastructure, green-space availability, sanitation and waste management, air-quality conditions, housing environment, healthy food environments and NCD-prevention practices. Urban environmental planning dimensions jointly explained 35.8% of the variation in NCD-prevention practices. The study concludes that health-oriented urban planning can support NCD prevention by creating environments that encourage active mobility, healthier food choices, improved sanitation, cleaner air and access to recreational facilities. The findings contribute evidence for integrating public health considerations into urban development strategies in Nigerian cities.