Wellbeing determinants of household’s ability to make ends meet – A hierarchical regression model for Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study investigates the factors that influence the ability of households to maintain the subsistence standard of living reported by the heads of households in Abu Dhabi. Methodology: Drawing from 38,124 employed heads of households who participated in the Abu Dhabi Quality-of-Life (QoL) survey conducted in 2021, a hierarchical regression model was fitted, controlling for specific individual/household attributes. Main Findings: The significant model identified several well-being determinants of a household’s ability to make ends meet. These determinants touch on various aspects of life, the most significant ones being satisfaction with household income, ability to save from previous earning cycles, and work-family balance. Two control variables – the education level of the head of the household and whether the family has a financial plan or not – were also associated with the household’s ability to make ends meet. Research limitations/implications: It should be acknowledged that hierarchical regression helps better understand the ability of households to make ends meet; however, it does not precisely reveal the directions of associations between the dependent and independent variables. Therefore, a longitudinal study may be required to shed more light on the underlying mechanisms of relationships surrounding the ability to make ends meet. Originality of this study: The outcomes could serve as insider intelligence for producing social programs and services to enhance the lives of households in Abu Dhabi.