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Seyed Reza Azimi Pirsaraei1 
, Reza Kalantari *1 , Niloofar Shabani Arbusara1 , Amir Reza Abidi1 , Parsa Fooladi1
, Reza Kalantari *1 , Niloofar Shabani Arbusara1 , Amir Reza Abidi1 , Parsa Fooladi1
1- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
Abstract: (204 Views)
Background: In educational settings, violations of personal space may influence students’ learning performance. Designing seating layouts considering personal space dimensions enhances students’ learning efficacy and concentration. This study aimed to measure students’ personal space and presenting a design for the university library seating layout.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 224 students in the faculty of public health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data on demographic characteristics were collected using a structured demographics questionnaire and personal space size was measured through the Stop-Distance procedure. Measurements were taken using active and passive trials, with confederates of both genders approaching participants from eight main directions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA.
Results: The students maintained shorter distances when interacting with individuals of the same gender compared to those of the opposite gender. They also exhibited greater distances toward confederates approaching from the south and southeast orientations (P-value < 0.05). Based on the 95th percentile of measured distances, a revised seats layout was proposed to provide students with more adequate space.
Conclusion: The students exhibit distinct patterns in the size and orientation of their personal space. A library seats layout tailored to students’ personal space requirements can create a more comfortable study environment, ultimately enhancing their academic experience.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 224 students in the faculty of public health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data on demographic characteristics were collected using a structured demographics questionnaire and personal space size was measured through the Stop-Distance procedure. Measurements were taken using active and passive trials, with confederates of both genders approaching participants from eight main directions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA.
Results: The students maintained shorter distances when interacting with individuals of the same gender compared to those of the opposite gender. They also exhibited greater distances toward confederates approaching from the south and southeast orientations (P-value < 0.05). Based on the 95th percentile of measured distances, a revised seats layout was proposed to provide students with more adequate space.
Conclusion: The students exhibit distinct patterns in the size and orientation of their personal space. A library seats layout tailored to students’ personal space requirements can create a more comfortable study environment, ultimately enhancing their academic experience.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Public Health
Received: 2026/01/10 | Accepted: 2026/03/12
Received: 2026/01/10 | Accepted: 2026/03/12
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