The Development of Quality-of-Life Indicators in Rural Areas in Iran: Case Study – Khaveh Shomali District, Lorestan Province

Abstract

Quality of life (QOL) is a complex and multidimensional concept relevant to community conditions in a specific geographic region, and it is traditionally captured using both objective and subjective indicators. QOL indicators are typically used to monitor and evaluate community development in relation to the social, health, environmental, and economic aspects in a community. The goal of this case study is to illustrate the measurement of QOL in the rural district of Khaveh Shomali (Iran) using two different approaches: objective and subjective indicators. The data were gathered through survey of a random sample of 210 heads of the households in the Khaveh Shomali district. The results indicate that QOL is ``poor{''} in about 34% of the households, ``moderate{''} in more than 45%, and ``good{''} in 21%. We conclude by recommending that effective planning and management by the government with the participation of community leaders are necessary to improve QOL.