On the evaluation of quality of life in Chania Crete, Greece

Citations

Tsekeri, E., Lilli, A., Daras, T. et al. On the evaluation of quality of life in Chania Crete, Greece. Discov Cities 2, 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44327-024-00038-y

Abstract

Quality of life refers to a person's perception of their place in life about the culture and value systems, in which they live, as well as their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. Because humans are conscious beings, they can measure their happiness or "subjective wellbeing" in terms of their enjoyment of life. In this study, a sample of 326 residents of Chania City, Greece, aged 18–72 (mean = 35 years), completed a questionnaire that comprised the WHOQOL-BREF survey, extended with three additional questions related to the green spaces and the noise pollution. The findings of the study confirm that this survey is a reliable instrument to measure the QoL of citizens (α = 0.817). Utilizing the exploratory factor analysis (KMO > 0.5, Bartlett’s test p < 0.001), seven latent variables (factors) are yielded that highlight the main factors that influence citizens’ QoL as well as their overall H&WB. Furthermore, they are used as new (independent) variables to assess the impact they have on overall QoL (Human performance and wellbeing, Physical health, mental health, social relations, Residential Environment, Neighborhood Environment, and Infrastructure/Services in the humans' living environment). Following this analysis, Cronbach's Alpha is performed for their internal consistency, concluding with acceptable reliability for all the factors (α > 0.5). Moreover, the scores of each one of the participants in the survey, with respect to each one of these factors, are computed and named Domains. In addition, statistically significant mean score variations were discovered (p < 0.05) between the various variables’ levels (of sex, age, marital status, education years, local residence), in the seven Domains. The assessment of QoL should be integrated into the urban planning policies to improve environmental quality, public health, and social equity.