Table of Contents
Measures Of Quality Of Life
Subjective vs. Objective Measures
Quality of life (QoL) assessments can be categorized into subjective and objective measures, each serving distinct purposes in evaluating well-being. Subjective measures are primarily based on individuals' self-reported perceptions of their emotional, social, and physical well-being, as well as their ability to perform daily tasks. These measures capture the holistic aspects of a person's life, reflecting their personal experiences and feelings about their quality of life.[4.1] For instance, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) analyses specifically assess how treatments and disease processes impact these subjective dimensions.[2.1] In contrast, objective measures aim to quantify aspects of quality of life through observable and measurable indicators. These may include factors such as income level, employment status, and access to healthcare resources, which can be assessed independently of individual perceptions.[7.1] While subjective measures provide valuable insights into personal experiences, objective measures offer a more standardized approach that can facilitate comparisons across different populations and contexts.[5.1] The integration of both subjective and objective measures is essential for a comprehensive understanding of quality of life. Subjective measures can sometimes contradict traditional assessments based on objective data, highlighting the importance of considering patients' perspectives in health evaluations.[4.1] Furthermore, the development of various types of HR-QoL measures, including generic, disease-specific, and individualized assessments, underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to capturing the complexities of quality of life.[6.1]Common Assessment Instruments
A variety of assessment instruments are utilized to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across diverse populations. These instruments are evaluated for their psychometric properties, which include reliability and validity, to ensure they are effective in capturing the nuances of quality of life in different demographic groups. For instance, a study aimed at comparing three widely used generic HRQoL instruments highlighted the necessity for empirical comparative studies to assess their psychometric properties in diverse populations.[22.1] Systematic reviews play a crucial role in this evaluation process by critically appraising the content and measurement properties of HRQoL instruments. These reviews provide a comprehensive overview of the instruments' effectiveness and support the selection of appropriate tools for specific research or clinical purposes.[23.1] However, the assessment of measurement properties can vary based on the standards used in the development of these tools, which may lead to differing conclusions and recommendations despite efforts to establish consensus-based minimum standards by organizations such as the Society for Quality of Life Research.[23.1] Moreover, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods is essential for achieving measurement adequacy in diverse groups. This integration addresses the methodological and analytical challenges faced when assessing comparability of HRQoL measures across different populations.[24.1] Despite the importance of conceptual equivalence, there remains a lack of extensive research exploring this aspect across various U.S. subgroups.[24.1] Therefore, ongoing efforts are needed to refine and validate HRQoL instruments to ensure they are culturally relevant and effective across diverse demographic groups.[21.1]Dimensions Of Quality Of Life
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects of health and well-being, particularly in the context of chronic diseases and aging. Research indicates that psychological resilience plays a significant role in enhancing HRQoL, especially among middle-aged and older adults facing chronic health challenges. A study examining the mediating roles of sleep quality and depression found that psychological resilience positively influences HRQoL, suggesting that individuals with higher resilience are better equipped to cope with the stressors associated with chronic illnesses.[49.1] Moreover, the ability to adapt successfully to age-related challenges is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life in later years. Resilience is linked to effective adaptation, which can mitigate the social, psychological, and physical consequences of aging.[50.1] In this context, the assessment of nurses' resilience and professional quality of life has been shown to raise awareness of psychological resilience, thereby enabling healthcare managers to create supportive working conditions that enhance the overall quality of life for healthcare professionals.[48.1] Coping strategies also significantly impact HRQoL. Research indicates that individuals who employ positive coping mechanisms tend to report higher quality of life, while reliance on negative coping strategies, such as resignation and escape tendencies, is associated with poorer outcomes.[51.1] This highlights the importance of fostering positive coping strategies to improve HRQoL among individuals facing adversity. Access to healthcare is another critical dimension influencing HRQoL. Comprehensive and timely access to healthcare services is essential for achieving optimal health outcomes and preventing disease-related complications. Disparities in access to healthcare based on sociodemographic factors can lead to significant variations in HRQoL among different populations.[57.1] Therefore, addressing these disparities is vital for promoting health equity and improving HRQoL across diverse communities.Social and Economic Factors Influencing Quality of Life
Quality of life (QOL) is influenced by a variety of social and economic factors that shape individuals' experiences and perceptions. One significant aspect is the multidimensional nature of QOL, which encompasses various indicators related to health outcomes, health determinants, and access to healthcare. Health outcome indicators, such as life expectancy and the number of healthy life years, are critical in assessing the overall health status of populations within the European Union. These indicators are complemented by subjective assessments of health, chronic diseases, and limitations in activity, which are derived from surveys like the EU-SILC.[44.1] Moreover, the determinants of health, including behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits, play a crucial role in influencing QOL. Data from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) highlights the importance of these factors in shaping health outcomes and, consequently, the quality of life.[44.1] Access to healthcare is another vital component, as it directly affects individuals' ability to maintain their health and well-being. Barriers to healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities, can significantly diminish quality of life by limiting essential health services and support.[58.1] In addition to health-related factors, social indicators are consistently utilized across various QOL assessments. These indicators often relate to life-ability, enjoyment of life, and the livability of the environment, emphasizing the importance of social context in determining quality of life.[45.1] The relative importance of different dimensions of QOL can vary based on individual circumstances, such as the presence of disabilities, which can alter the significance of specific factors.[47.1] Furthermore, urban planning and environmental quality are intertwined with social and economic factors that influence QOL. Effective urban planning can enhance transportation, housing, and green spaces, thereby improving community well-being and overall quality of life.[55.1] Sustainable cities that prioritize social equity and environmental sustainability can create healthier living conditions, which are essential for enhancing the quality of life for all residents.[56.1] Cultural diversity also plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of quality of life, particularly in terms of mental health and emotional well-being. Cultural differences can influence how individuals express emotions and report mental health symptoms, which in turn affects their overall quality of life.[60.1] Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for developing inclusive environments that support emotional health and resilience.[59.1]Government And Quality Of Life
Role of Government Characteristics
Government characteristics, including quality, size, and function, significantly influence the quality of life of citizens. Research applying fuzzy-set analysis on data from OECD countries indicates that the effectiveness of government policies is crucial for enhancing the quality of life. Specifically, maintaining a certain level of policy effectiveness is associated with improved living standards for individuals within these nations.[86.1] Moreover, government investment in public services, such as healthcare and education, has been shown to have a positive relationship with economic growth, particularly in developing and emerging economies. For instance, a study highlighted that countries like Indonesia, Peru, and India experience economic growth linked to government investment in public services.[97.1] In contrast, the relationship can be less favorable in developed nations, where the same investments may not yield equivalent economic benefits.[97.1] Further supporting this notion, historical analyses have demonstrated that public investment has a strong positive impact on output, particularly in the United States, suggesting that effective government spending can stimulate economic productivity.[98.1] A McKinsey study across 42 countries underscores the potential economic gains from improving public sector productivity, estimating that aligning public services with the productivity levels of leading performers could yield an additional $3.5 trillion annually.[99.1] This highlights the critical role that government characteristics play in shaping not only the economic landscape but also the overall quality of life for citizens.Policy Implications for Enhancing Quality of Life
Future empirical studies should focus on examining how various categories of government spending correlate with measures of subjective well-being. This approach aims to enhance the understanding of how government policy decisions can concretely impact the quality of life experienced by citizens.[82.1] The characteristics of a government, defined in terms of its quality, size, and function, significantly influence the quality of life of its citizens. Research applying fuzzy-set analysis on data from OECD countries has highlighted these relationships.[83.1] In participatory policy studies, such as those involving Toronto seniors, it has been observed that government policy decisions directly influence health and well-being. These studies emphasize the importance of incorporating the voices of seniors, who often feel that their perspectives are not adequately considered by all levels of government.[87.1] Key policy areas identified as crucial for enhancing seniors' quality of life include housing, healthcare access, income supports, and transportation.[88.1] Initiatives like "The People Say," developed by The SCAN Foundation and the Public Policy Lab, serve as valuable resources that amplify older adults' experiences and insights, thereby informing policymakers about the issues that matter most to this demographic.[89.1] Moreover, the active aging policy framework advocates for greater participation of senior citizens in social, economic, and political realms. Despite some initiatives engaging seniors in social activities, there remains a gap in the use of participatory approaches in policy design and implementation that directly affect older citizens.[90.1] The inclusion of marginalized voices, such as those of seniors, is essential for advancing equity in policymaking. This requires a reconfiguration of power dynamics to ensure that historically oppressed groups are adequately represented in policy processes.[92.1] Successful government policies from various countries illustrate the potential for positive impacts on quality of life. For instance, the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion in the United States has led to improved health outcomes and reduced mortality rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of policies aimed at enhancing access to care.[95.1] Additionally, rigorous evaluations of flagship government policies can provide evidence of their effectiveness, which is crucial for shaping current policy debates and improving citizen satisfaction.[94.1]In this section:
Quality Of Life In Different Contexts
Quality of Life in Healthcare
Access to healthcare significantly influences quality of life, especially in underserved communities. Timely healthcare services are crucial for optimal health outcomes, disease management, and reducing unnecessary disability and premature death.[131.1] However, disparities persist due to factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.[131.1] Minority communities often face limited access to quality healthcare, resulting in higher rates of chronic conditions and decreased life expectancy compared to white counterparts.[132.1] Technological integration in healthcare offers promising solutions to these disparities. Innovations such as telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies enhance the quality of life for older adults by providing access to healthcare from home, enabling personalized care and early intervention.[128.1] Assistive technologies further improve life quality by addressing social isolation and cognitive decline.[127.1] For instance, internet engagement among older adults is linked to higher self-determination and better living arrangements, highlighting the importance of a supportive technology ecosystem.[126.1] Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized for its role in personalizing and simplifying medical care for seniors, promoting well-being by enabling remote patient monitoring and predicting the need for acute care.[127.1] This is particularly beneficial as the aging population grows.[127.1] Addressing healthcare disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing access to affordable healthcare for marginalized communities.[132.1] Public health campaigns must be culturally tailored to resonate with diverse demographic groups, effectively addressing their unique challenges.[142.1] By focusing on equitable healthcare access and leveraging technology, we can enhance the overall quality of life across various contexts.Quality of Life in International Development
Quality of life (QOL) is a multifaceted concept that varies significantly across different contexts, particularly in the realm of international development. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines QOL as "individuals' perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns".[124.1] This definition underscores the importance of cultural and contextual factors in shaping individuals' experiences and perceptions of their quality of life. In the assessment of QOL, it is crucial to consider various influencing factors, including the environment, stage of development, and societal perceptions. Previous studies have noted a lack of systematic comparisons across these factors, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review to better understand how these influences change under different contexts.[123.1] Methodological constructs for QOL assessments must account for the multidimensionality of the concept, including the purpose of the assessment, the time and unit of analysis, and the availability of data.[125.1] Such assessments often reveal that social indicators are consistently utilized, emphasizing aspects related to life-ability, enjoyment, and the livability of the environment. The interplay between traditional cultural values and modern influences, such as globalization and technology, significantly affects individuals' perceptions of quality of life. Modernization can challenge traditional values, leading to conflicts between older beliefs and contemporary practices.[134.1] However, traditional values, such as family cohesion and respect for elders, continue to hold importance in many societies, even amidst rapid changes.[134.1] This coexistence of tradition and modernity can shape how communities define and pursue their quality of life. Moreover, the impact of technology on cultural values and practices cannot be overlooked. While technology facilitates cross-border cultural integration and the blending of indigenous traditions with global influences, it also poses challenges such as the digital divide and cultural homogenization.[136.1] These dynamics can exacerbate inequalities in access to resources and reshape cultural identities, thereby influencing perceptions of quality of life. Cultural narratives play a vital role in shaping individual and collective understandings of quality of life. These narratives, which are conveyed through storytelling, rituals, and social practices, reflect the values and beliefs of different societies.[146.1] They provide a framework for communities to interpret their experiences and aspirations, ultimately influencing how quality of life is perceived and pursued. For instance, festivals and communal celebrations serve as expressions of cultural identity, reinforcing community values and enhancing social cohesion.[147.1]Challenges In Quality Of Life Research
Methodological Issues
The methodological issues in quality of life (QoL) research are multifaceted and complex, reflecting the multidimensional nature of the concept itself. One significant challenge is the establishment of a testable theory that elucidates the expected relationships among various concepts and domains of health-related quality of life. This theoretical framework is essential for ensuring that assessments are both valid and reliable.[160.1] Moreover, the selection of dimensions and indicators for QoL assessments must consider several critical factors, including the purpose of the assessment, the multidimensionality of QoL, and the availability of data. Assessments often vary in their conceptual foundations, dimensions, and indicators, which can lead to inconsistencies in results.[159.1] For instance, while social indicators are frequently employed across different assessments, the focus on objective indicators versus subjective well-being can differ significantly.[159.1] In the context of the European Union, QoL is primarily measured through three sub-dimensions: health outcome indicators (such as life expectancy and self-reported health limitations), health determinants (including lifestyle factors like smoking and exercise), and access to healthcare.[161.1] This framework highlights the necessity of context-specific research to accurately capture the diverse factors influencing QoL across populations. Furthermore, ensuring data quality is paramount in QoL research. Implementing rigorous data collection checks and maintaining high standards of data quality—defined by accuracy, consistency, and relevance—are essential for producing reliable findings.[173.1] Addressing potential biases, such as response bias and recall bias, is also critical. Researchers must adopt best practices to mitigate these biases, which can significantly affect the accuracy of survey data.[175.1]Cultural Variations in Quality of Life Perception
Cultural variations significantly influence the perception and assessment of quality of life (QOL), presenting unique challenges for researchers. One of the primary challenges is the inherent cultural context in which ideas of quality of life and well-being are embedded, each carrying its own philosophical assumptions and value systems. This complexity can complicate the development of universally applicable QOL indicators, particularly in culturally plural organizations or societies.[182.1] Moreover, researchers face difficulties in adapting QOL indicators to reflect the diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of populations. Factors such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic conditions are critical in determining quality of life, yet these factors can vary widely across different cultural contexts.[183.1] Maintaining sensitivity to this diversity while producing cross-culturally comparable data is a significant challenge for those working on cross-cultural QOL assessment instruments.[183.1] The methodological construct of QOL assessment requires careful consideration of various factors, including the purpose of the assessment, the multidimensionality of the QOL concept, and the availability of data. These considerations are essential in selecting dimensions, indicators, and corresponding variables that accurately reflect the lived experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds.[185.1] Furthermore, the measurement of health-related quality of life in populations from lower socioeconomic and minority backgrounds presents additional challenges. Research indicates that cultural equivalence of QOL instruments is necessary to ensure their relevance and effectiveness across different cultural groups.[169.1] This need for cultural adaptation underscores the importance of developing QOL assessments that are not only reliable but also valid across various cultural contexts.[184.1]References
[2] Quality of Life Measure - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics — 17 • "Quality of life is a descriptive term that refers to people's emotional, social and physical well-being, and their ability to function in the ordinary tasks of living. • Health-related quality of life analyses measure the impact of treatments and disease processes on these holistic aspects of a person's life. • Quality of life is measured using specially designed and tested
[4] Definition, Measures, Applications, & Facts | Britannica — Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos These include generic measures, which are designed to evaluate health-related quality of life in any group of patients (indeed, in any population sample); disease-specific measures, such as those designed to evaluate health-related quality of life in specific illness groups; and individualized measures, which allow the inclusion of aspects of life that are considered to be important by individual patients. The measurement of quality of life incorporates the subjective views of the patient directly and can provide health care professionals with information that can supplement or, on occasion, contradict traditional assessments.
[5] PDF — HR-QoL measurements atempt to turn subjective information into objective infor -mation. In this article, I describe the different kinds of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) measures, how they work, and how they can be interpreted. Main types of HR-QoL measures include generic; disease- or population-specific; dimension-specific; individualised; and preference-based. Each serves different
[6] Assessing Quality of Life: Measures and Utility — Assessing Quality of Life: Measures and Utility - Quality of Life and Technology Assessment - NCBI Bookshelf Anderson, J.P., Bush, J.W., and Berry, C.C. Internal consistency analysis: A method for studying the accuracy of function assessment for health outcome and quality of life evaluation. Finkelstein, D.M., Cassileth, B.R., Bonomi, P.D., Horton, J., Ezdinli, E.Z., Carbone, P.P., and Wolter, J.N. A pilot study of the Functional Living Index--Cancer (FLIC) Scale for the assessment of quality of life for metastatic lung cancer patients. Kaplan, R.M., and Bush, J.W. Health-related quality of life measurement for evaluation research and policy analysis. Chesterman, E., Levi, J., Shepherd, R., Battista, R.N., and Catchlove, B.R. Measuring the quality of life of cancer patients. Torrance, G.W. Utility approach to measuring health-related quality of life.
[7] Quality Of Life - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — Quality of life (QoL) is a concept which aims to capture the well-being, whether of a population or individual, regarding both positive and negative elements within the entirety of their existence at a specific point in time. For example, common facets of QoL include personal health (physical, mental, and spiritual), relationships, education status, work environment, social status, wealth, a
[21] Empirically selected instruments for measuring quality-of-life ... — Abstract We describe a process for developing and testing the cultural equivalence of quality-of-life (QOL) instruments that may be used across culturally diverse populations. QOL instruments dealing with satisfaction with various life domains, psychological distress, and physical health and functioning were reviewed by African-American and Hispanic community advisory boards, translated into
[22] Comparison between different instruments for measuring health-related ... — Abstract Objective The general aim was to meet the need for empirical comparative studies of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment instruments, by evaluating and comparing the psychometric properties and results of three different, widely used, generic HRQoL instruments in a population sample.
[23] Tools to assess the measurement properties of quality of life ... — The systematic reviews of measurement properties critically appraise the content and measurement properties of all instruments that assess a certain construct of interest in a specific study population.1 These systematic reviews provide both a comprehensive overview of the measurement properties of health instruments and supportive evidence for the selection of instruments for a specific purpose (eg, research, clinical practice, predictive).2 3 In this type of systematic review, different authors have evaluated not only the methodological quality of their key phases—namely the search strategy, the bias risk assessment of the primary studies and the data synthesis—but also whether the measurement properties of the health status instruments have been appraised with standardised procedures or tools during the data extraction phase.1 2 4 5 However, depending on the measurement standards on which these tools were developed, the approach to analyse the measurement properties of instruments may vary.6 This could lead to different conclusions and recommendations, in spite of the effort undertaken by the international Society for Quality of Life Research to set consensus-based minimum standards.7 Besides, according to Rosenkoetter and Tate,6 the assessment tools commonly used by clinicians and researchers to select the appropriate outcome measures for specific purposes show a variety of forms and cover a mix of standards related to reporting, methodological quality and statistical outcome quality.
[24] PDF — in diverse groups, methods for assessing com-parability of HRQOL measures across groups, and methodological and analytical challenges. RESULTS. Integration of qualitative and quantitative methods is needed to achieve measurement adequacy in diverse groups. Lit-tle research explores conceptual equivalence across US subgroups; of the few studies of
[44] Quality of life indicators - measuring quality of life - Statistics ... — The health situation in the European Union, in the context of Quality of life, is mainly measured through three sub dimensions: health outcome indicators such as life expectancy (based on mortality tables), the number of healthy life years (combining the information on life expectancy with a survey variable on self-declared limitations in activity) and subjective assessments of own health, chronic diseases and limitations in activity (data based on the EU-SILC); health determinants (healthy and unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol and fruit and vegetables consumption and exercising, data from the European health interview survey (EHIS) ); and access to healthcare (data based on the EU-SILC).
[45] A review of quality of life (QOL) assessments and indicators: Towards a ... — In the methodological construct of QOL assessment and QOL-related index development, we need to consider important factors such as the purpose of the assessment or index, the multidimensionality of the QOL concept, the time and unit of analysis, and data availability in the selection of dimensions, indicators, and their corresponding variables (Rinner 2007; Grasso and Canova 2008; Narayana 2009; González et al. Our review revealed that (i) QOL assessments varied in terms of conceptual foundations, dimensions, indicators, and units of analysis, (ii) compared with economic and environmental indicators, social indicators were consistently used across assessments; (iii) most assessments considered indicators that were related to the life-ability of a person, enjoyment of life, utility of life, and especially the livability of the environment, and (iv) QOL could be based on objective indicators and/or subjective well-being, and on a composite index or unaggregated dimensions and indicators.
[47] Assessing the relative importance of key quality of life dimensions for ... — The main aim of this study was to investigate the relative importance rankings of 12 key quality of life dimensions mapped from three commonly applied preference-based measures (EQ-5D, AQoL-4D and the ASCOT) between population samples with and without a disability. ... of a disability affects what factors are important to someone's quality of
[48] The relationship between psychological resilience and professional ... — The findings suggest that assessing nurses' resilience and professional quality of life can raise psychological resilience awareness and help managers create the necessary working conditions to improve nurses' professional quality of life.
[49] Psychological resilience and quality of life among middle-aged and ... — Background The present study is intended to examine the multiple mediating roles of sleep quality and depression in the relationship between psychological resilience and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults hospitalized with chronic diseases. Methods From October 2, 2021, to February 27, 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted using a multistage stratified sampling method among
[50] Frontiers | The Interplay Between Quality of Life and Resilience ... — Age-related challenges and transitions can have considerable social, psychological, and physical consequences that may lead to significant changes in quality of life (QoL). As such, maintaining high levels of QoL in later life may crucially depend on the ability to demonstrate resilience (i.e., successful adaptation to late-life challenges).
[51] Connection between coping strategies and quality of life in outpatient ... — The patients overuse negative coping strategies, especially, escape tendency and resignation. Using of positive coping is in average level (the strategy Positive self-instruction is little used). Coping strategies are significantly associated with quality of life. Higher using of positive coping has a positive association with QoL.
[55] How Urban Planning Improves Quality of Life for Communities — Discover how urban planning improves quality of life by enhancing transportation, housing, and green spaces. Learn its impact on communities and daily well-being.
[56] The Impact of Urban Planning on Quality of Life - homesight.org — However, the rewards of effective urban planning can be substantial, leading to cities that not only meet the basic needs of their residents but also enhance their quality of life. From mitigating traffic congestion and pollution to providing green spaces and affordable housing, urban planning policies directly impact the health, well-being, and happiness of city dwellers. From economic growth and health benefits to social equity, environmental sustainability, and community engagement, urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of city dwellers. Effective urban planning can create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive cities that provide a high quality of life for all residents. Urban Planning and Public Spaces – Designing for Community Urban Planning and Policy
[57] Access to Healthcare and Disparities in Access — Contents Search term < PrevNext > ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND DISPARITIES IN ACCESS Access to healthcare means having “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes.”1 Access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services is important for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and premature death, and achieving health equity for all Americans.2 Attaining good access to care means having: Health insurance that facilitates entry into the healthcare system. Measures of access to care tracked in the National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) include having health insurance, having a usual source of care,ix encountering difficulties when seeking care, and receiving care as soon as wanted. Historically, Americans have experienced variable access to care based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and residential location.3 This section of the NHQDR discusses trends in access over time and disparities in access related to the sociodemographic variables for which data were available. Indicators of increased insurance coverage include earlier detection of disease, better medication adherence and management of chronic conditions, and psychological well-being in knowing one can afford care when one gets sick.12 Healthcare access and insurance coverage are major factors that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities.
[58] Access to healthcare: underserved communities - Taylor & Francis Online — underserved communities' access to essential health services. While many HICs can provide universal healthcare coverage, underserved communities still face persistent barriers in engaging with these services, including cultural insensitivity, language differ-ences, economic challenges and systemic discrimination.
[59] Emotional Health And The Impact of Cultural Diversity — Emotional Health And The Impact of Cultural Diversity Emotional Health And The Impact of Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity significantly impacts emotional health, shaping how individuals experience and express emotions in diverse societies. Understanding Cultural Diversity and Emotional Health When emotional health is nurtured in culturally diverse settings, it can lead to more resilient, empathetic, and socially connected individuals, improving both individual and collective outcomes. Creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and respected is key to fostering emotional health in culturally diverse settings. By fostering inclusivity, providing culturally sensitive mental health support, and building emotional resilience, we can create environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds thrive emotionally. Emotional Health And The Impact of Cultural Diversity
[60] (PDF) Cross-cultural perspectives on mental health: Understanding ... — Furthermore, cultural differences in emotional expression impact how mental health symptoms are reported and perceived. Found that east Asian individuals tend to report fewer high-arousal
[82] State government public goods spending and citizens' quality of life — Therefore, future empirical studies should examine how other categories of government spending correlate with measures of subjective well-being. Doing so will help to enhance our understanding about how government policy decisions can concretely impact the quality of life that citizens experience.
[83] Effects of Government Characteristics on the Quality of Life — Effects of Government Characteristics on the Quality of Life | Social Indicators Research This article examines how the characteristics of a government, which are defined in terms of the quality, size, and function of the government, influence the quality of life of its citizens by applying fuzzy-set analysis on data from OECD countries. The Korean Journal of Local Government Studies, 21(4), 391–409. The quality of government institute quality of government survey 2008–2010: A report. The Korean Journal of Local Government Studies, 19(4), 295–318. Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institution, 21(2), 165–190. The quality of government institute quality of government survey 2008–2010: A report. Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institution, 21(2), 165–190.
[86] Effects of Government Characteristics on the Quality of Life — This article examines how the characteristics of a government, which are defined in terms of the quality, size, and function of the government, influence the quality of life of its citizens by applying fuzzy-set analysis on data from OECD countries. The results show that the quality of life is enhanced when the quality of the government, or its policy effectiveness, is maintained at a certain
[87] How government policy decisions affect seniors' quality of life ... — Toronto seniors explored how government policy decisions were influencing their health and well-being. In this participatory policy study, emphasis was upon the lay and critical knowledge of highly informed seniors. Focus groups and interviews revealed that all three levels of governments were seen as not listening to seniors' voices.
[88] How Government Policy Decisions Affect Seniors' Quality of Life ... — In nine key policy areas identified as influencing seniors' quality of life--hearing seniors' voices, housing, acute illness care, long-term care, income supports, transportation and mobility
[89] Amplifying the Voices of Older Adults, What The People Say — The People Say is a first-of-its-kind resource and catalog of older adults' experiences that helps policymakers hear the voices of older adults when shaping policy.. Developed by The SCAN Foundation and the Public Policy Lab, The People Say features insights from older adults on issues most important to them, amplifying their perspectives on healthcare access, caregiving support
[90] The Participation of Senior Citizens in Policy-Making: Patterning ... — Abstract. Worldwide, active aging policy calls for greater participation of senior citizens in the social, economic, and political realms. Despite emerging evidence of initiatives engaging senior citizens in social activities, little is known about the use of participatory approaches in the design and/or implementation of policies that matter to older citizens.
[92] Breaking Barriers: Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Inclusive ... — “Breaking Barriers: Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Inclusive Initiatives” explores the critical importance of elevating the perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities within various initiatives. In the quest for inclusive initiatives within community engagement, it is essential to adopt strategies that not only recognize but also amplify the voices of marginalized groups. By providing a space for marginalized voices to be heard, these platforms not only amplify individual stories but also foster a sense of community and solidarity among those who have faced similar struggles. Amplifying marginalized voices is crucial for creating equitable policies, fostering social justice, and ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to more effective and inclusive solutions. Breaking Barriers: Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Inclusive Initiatives highlights the critical importance of integrating diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
[94] Government Action Success Stories in the US - Brookings — A U.S flag at the U.S. Capitol Complex - home of the Legislative Branch of the United States federal government, and seat of the United States Congress. In this article, I list ten areas where government action has made a positive impact on the United States, created social and economic opportunities, and improved people’s lives. There has been a dramatic reduction in U.S. smoking rates since health studies funded by government identified smoking risks, legislatures passed higher taxes and anti-smoking laws, and agencies financed major public service announcements warning about the dangers of smoking. The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to conduct in-depth, nonpartisan research to improve policy and governance at local, national, and global levels.
[95] The Role of Health Policy in Improving Health Outcomes and Health ... — Policy focused on improving access to care through insurance coverage, such as the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, has led to better health and reduced mortality. Here, the evidence is somewhat more mixed; accountable care organizations (ACOs) and bundled payment programs have failed to have much effect on patient outcomes (48-55), but they have improved emphasis on prevention and population health and are broadly considered to be an important mechanism by which to advance further goals related to quality and outcomes. [DOI] [PubMed] [[Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=Health%20Affairs%20(Millwood&title=At%20federally%20funded%20health%20centers,%20Medicaid%20expansion%20was%20associated%20with%20improved%20quality%20of%20care&author=MB%20Cole&author=O%20Galarraga&author=IB%20Wilson&author=B%20Wright&author=AN%20Trivedi&volume=36&issue=1&publication_year=2017&pages=40-8&pmid=28069845&doi=10.1377/hlthaff.2016.0804&)] [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [[Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=Health%20Affairs%20(Millwood&title=Medicaid%20expansion%20and%20outpatient%20cardiovascular%20care%20use%20among%20low-income%20nonelderly%20adults,%202012%E2%80%9315&author=SAM%20Khatana&author=L%20Yang&author=LA%20Eberly&volume=42&issue=11&publication_year=2023&pages=1586-94&pmid=37931196&doi=10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00512&)] [DOI] [PubMed] [[Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=Health%20Affairs%20(Millwood&title=The%20ACA%20Medicaid%20expansion%20and%20perinatal%20insurance,%20health%20care%20use,%20and%20health%20outcomes:%20a%20systematic%20review&author=M%20Bellerose&author=L%20Collin&author=JR%20Daw&volume=41&issue=1&publication_year=2022&pages=60-8&pmid=34982621&doi=10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01150&)] [DOI] [PubMed] [[Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?journal=Health%20Affairs%20(Millwood&title=Lack%20of%20access%20to%20specialists%20associated%20with%20mortality%20and%20preventable%20hospitalizations%20of%20rural%20Medicare%20beneficiaries&author=KJ%20Johnston&author=H%20Wen&author=KE%20Joynt%20Maddox&volume=38&issue=12&publication_year=2019&pages=1993-2002&pmid=31794307&doi=10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00838&)]
[97] Optimal government investment and public debt in an economic growth ... — Fig. 2 shows a positive relationship between government investment and economic growth in most developing and emerging economies, such as Indonesia, Sudan, Peru, the Philippines, Mexico, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong and China (41 countries). However, the same relationship is found to be negative for many developed
[98] PDF — relationship between public investment and economic growth. Aschauer (1989) found that public investment has a strong positive impact on output for the United States. Subsequent studies have shown a positive association between public investment and economic growth but with a smaller magnitude (for exam - ple, see Sturm and de Haan 1995).
[99] Improving government productivity: A systemwide approach — A McKinsey study across 42 countries found that if public services could reach the productivity levels of the leading performers in their peer groups, the improvement would be worth an estimated $3.5 trillion per year.1For more, see “How the public sector fits in the productivity puzzle,” McKinsey, January 17, 2018. In the public sector, productivity may be difficult to measure but generally includes improved operational efficiency and effectiveness.4For more on definitions of productivity, see “US government productivity: The roles government plays,” McKinsey, October 30, 2023. In this article, we discuss a systematic approach to improving productivity by using three strategies that have been effective in both public and private sector organizations.
[123] Review Factors influencing quality of life of elderly people with ... — None of previous studies systematically made comparison or distinction in terms of all the factors in different contexts (environment, stage of dementia, perceptions). Therefore, our review also aimed to fill this gap and contribute to a better understanding of how the influencing factors change under different contexts.
[124] Factors associated with quality of life in older adults in the United ... — Quality of life (QOL) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "individuals' perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns." The WHO further notes that QOL is a concept with several domains, including
[125] A review of quality of life (QOL) assessments and indicators: Towards a ... — In the methodological construct of QOL assessment and QOL-related index development, we need to consider important factors such as the purpose of the assessment or index, the multidimensionality of the QOL concept, the time and unit of analysis, and data availability in the selection of dimensions, indicators, and their corresponding variables (Rinner 2007; Grasso and Canova 2008; Narayana 2009; González et al. Our review revealed that (i) QOL assessments varied in terms of conceptual foundations, dimensions, indicators, and units of analysis, (ii) compared with economic and environmental indicators, social indicators were consistently used across assessments; (iii) most assessments considered indicators that were related to the life-ability of a person, enjoyment of life, utility of life, and especially the livability of the environment, and (iv) QOL could be based on objective indicators and/or subjective well-being, and on a composite index or unaggregated dimensions and indicators.
[126] The Influence of Technology on Quality of Life and Aging in Place — THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND AGING IN PLACE - PMC Search Search Search in PMC Search in PMC An assistive technology ecosystem refers to the use of multiple assistive technologies to address a set of challenges affecting single or multiple characteristics of older adults’ QOL. Older adults who used the internet had significantly higher odds of reporting self-determination (OR=1.68), like living arrangement (OR= 1.97) and continue improving life. These findings support the need for a network of resources accessed through an ecosystem of technologies to address the challenges encountered by older adults aging in place. Articles from Innovation in Aging are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press Cited by other articles
[127] AI To Benefit Humanity: Innovations In Senior Care - Forbes — Council Post: AI To Benefit Humanity: Innovations In Senior Care Whether it be personalizing and simplifying medical care or mitigating social isolation, there are various ways in which artificial intelligence can be used to improve the lives of older adults; even some of the more abstract and complex implementations of AI can and should be seen within reach. Wearables and remote monitoring technologies have provided a way for healthcare providers to monitor and track the biodata of their patients without needing to see them in person, and AI-enabled processing helps predict the moments when patients will need more acute care. As aging populations continue to grow, the integration of AI in senior care offers unparalleled opportunities and can play a vital role in promoting well-being, thus improving the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
[128] The Role of Technology in Senior Care: Enhancing Lives — The Role of Technology in Senior Care: Enhancing Lives | Care Indeed The Role of Technology in Senior Care Technology is transforming senior care, making it more accessible, personalized, and efficient. In this article, we'll explore the role of technology in senior care and how it's revolutionizing how we approach aging and caregiving. What is Technology's Role in Senior Care? Benefits of Technology in Senior Care Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies allow seniors to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes. Wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies allow caregivers to track residents' vital signs, activity levels, and sleep patterns, enabling personalized care and early intervention when necessary. As technology becomes more integrated into senior care, privacy and security concerns arise.
[131] 2021 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report [Internet]. — Contents Search term < PrevNext > ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND DISPARITIES IN ACCESS Access to healthcare means having “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes.”1 Access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services is important for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and premature death, and achieving health equity for all Americans.2 Attaining good access to care means having: Health insurance that facilitates entry into the healthcare system. Measures of access to care tracked in the National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (NHQDR) include having health insurance, having a usual source of care,ix encountering difficulties when seeking care, and receiving care as soon as wanted. Historically, Americans have experienced variable access to care based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and residential location.3 This section of the NHQDR discusses trends in access over time and disparities in access related to the sociodemographic variables for which data were available. Indicators of increased insurance coverage include earlier detection of disease, better medication adherence and management of chronic conditions, and psychological well-being in knowing one can afford care when one gets sick.12 Healthcare access and insurance coverage are major factors that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities.
[132] Healthcare Disparities Impacting Minorities | United Way NCA — Limited access to quality health care and higher rates of chronic conditions experienced by minority individuals contribute to a decreased life expectancy compared to their white counterparts. Individuals from minority communities also frequently bear a disproportionate financial burden due to limited access to affordable health care services. Affordable health care solutions: United Way NCA works toward increasing access to affordable health care options for individuals and families, particularly those from marginalized communities. We collaborate with partners to ensure that mental health services and resources are accessible to individuals and families in need, including initiatives to reduce stigma, increase awareness and provide support for mental health challenges faced by minority populations.
[134] Can Traditional Values Survive In A Modern Society? A Comprehensive ... — It’s fascinating to see how traditional values can thrive and evolve in modern society through cultural changes and social norms. Modern society is challenging traditional values through rapid technological advances, globalization, changing social norms, and shifting cultural landscapes, often leading to new ways of thinking and living that may conflict with older beliefs and practices. Yes, some traditional values can coexist with modern societal changes if there is a willingness to adapt and balance preserving essential cultural elements and accepting progress and innovation. Traditional values such as family cohesion, respect for elders, honesty, and compassion continue to have great importance in many cultures and societies, even amidst the rapid changes of the modern world.
[136] The impact of technological advancement on culture and society — However, the research also highlights the challenges posed by technology, such as the digital divide, which exacerbates inequalities in access to digital resources, and the risk of cultural homogenization, where dominant global cultures overshadow local identities. This framework explores how digital technologies reshape cultural symbols, expressions and practices, thereby transforming the way individuals and communities create, interpret and communicate cultural meanings. Advanced communication technologies and digital platforms have facilitated unprecedented cross-border cultural integration, enabling the blending of indigenous traditions with global influences. To navigate this, civil discourse and community-driven approaches must be integrated into technological development, ensuring that digital spaces remain culturally diverse and inclusive. As digital integration continues to expand globally, technology plays a crucial role in forming cultural norms, practices and identities.
[142] How to Tailor Public Health Campaigns for Specific Demographics — Public health campaigns must navigate a complex landscape of cultural beliefs, social norms, and economic factors that vary widely among different demographic groups. For instance, a campaign aimed at a low-income community may face barriers such as limited access to healthcare resources or a lack of trust in public health messages.
[146] Cultural Narratives: Meaning & Examples | Vaia — Cultural Narratives Cultural Narratives What is a Cultural Narrative? What is a Cultural Narrative? Cultural Narratives Cultural Narratives Cultural Narratives in Anthropology Studying cultural narratives allows you to explore how different societies create, share, and interpret stories that reflect their values, beliefs, and experiences. What is a Cultural Narrative? Cultural Narratives: Stories within a culture that convey its beliefs, values, and historical experiences, playing a key role in shaping identities and societal understanding. Flashcards in Cultural Narratives 24 What is a Cultural Narrative? Cultural narratives shape a community's identity by providing shared stories, values, and beliefs that define collective experiences and social norms. Cultural narratives are passed down through generations via oral storytelling, rituals, traditions, artworks, and social practices.
[147] 20 Examples of Culture That Shape Our Lives and Identities — 20 Examples of Culture That Shape Our Lives and Identities 20 Examples of Culture That Shape Our Lives and Identities Home » Examples » 20 Examples of Culture That Shape Our Lives and Identities From art and music to traditions and beliefs, *20 examples of culture* showcase the rich tapestry of human expression. Culture manifests in various forms, each uniquely expressing the identity and values of communities. Here are some notable examples that showcase cultural diversity. Each element—art, music, dance, food—illustrates how culture shapes human experiences globally while enhancing connections within communities. Cultural practices vary widely across different regions, reflecting unique traditions and social norms. Festivals serve as vibrant expressions of culture, showcasing community values and traditions.
[159] A review of quality of life (QOL) assessments and indicators: Towards a ... — In the methodological construct of QOL assessment and QOL-related index development, we need to consider important factors such as the purpose of the assessment or index, the multidimensionality of the QOL concept, the time and unit of analysis, and data availability in the selection of dimensions, indicators, and their corresponding variables (Rinner 2007; Grasso and Canova 2008; Narayana 2009; González et al. Our review revealed that (i) QOL assessments varied in terms of conceptual foundations, dimensions, indicators, and units of analysis, (ii) compared with economic and environmental indicators, social indicators were consistently used across assessments; (iii) most assessments considered indicators that were related to the life-ability of a person, enjoyment of life, utility of life, and especially the livability of the environment, and (iv) QOL could be based on objective indicators and/or subjective well-being, and on a composite index or unaggregated dimensions and indicators.
[160] Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes — A major challenge facing developers and users of health and quality of life measures is to establish a testable theory of the expected relationships among the different concepts and domains of health-related quality of life.
[161] Quality of life indicators - measuring quality of life - Statistics ... — The health situation in the European Union, in the context of Quality of life, is mainly measured through three sub dimensions: health outcome indicators such as life expectancy (based on mortality tables), the number of healthy life years (combining the information on life expectancy with a survey variable on self-declared limitations in activity) and subjective assessments of own health, chronic diseases and limitations in activity (data based on the EU-SILC); health determinants (healthy and unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol and fruit and vegetables consumption and exercising, data from the European health interview survey (EHIS) ); and access to healthcare (data based on the EU-SILC).
[169] Quality of Life Assessment in Culturally Diverse Populations — CHICAGO-While the main objective in caring for cancer patients has been to prolong life and to focus on short-term and long-term survival, more recent efforts include considerations of health-related quality of life (QOL). The World Health Organization defines QOL as “not merely the absence of disease but a state of physical, emotional, and social well being.” Dr. Frank Bakers research is based on the practical observation that QOL measurement in cancer patients from lower socioeconomic and minority backgrounds presents numerous chal-lenges. His work has focused on delivering information regarding the cultural equivalence of QOL instruments so that they may be used across culturally diverse populations.
[173] 6 Pillars of Data Quality and How to Improve Your Data — What is data quality? Data quality refers to the degree of accuracy, consistency, completeness, reliability, and relevance of the data collected, stored, and used within an organization or a specific context. High-quality data is essential for making well-informed decisions, performing accurate analyses, and developing effective strategies. Maintaining high data quality is crucial for organizations to gain valuable insights, make informed decisions and achieve their goals. Strategies for improving data quality Strategies for improving data quality Implementing clear guidelines on collecting, storing, processing, and sharing information within the company can, over time, significantly improve overall data quality. Measuring data quality metrics, such as completeness, accuracy, consistency, timeliness, or uniqueness, is crucial for identifying areas where improvements can be made.
[175] Measuring Change in Quality of Life: Bias in Prospective and ... — Much of the current discussion on bias in prospective and retrospective QOL measurement suffers from unclear definitions, especially of "response shift" and "recall bias," or from neglecting one of the possible biases. We suggest more elaborate definitions for different types of bias and recommend taking both kinds of bias into consideration when measuring change in QOL. The relevance
[182] Multicultural Quality of Life Research - SpringerLink — Ideas on quality of life and well-being are inherently imbedded in cultural contexts, each with own philosophical assumptions and value systems (Suh, Diener, Oishi, & Triandis, 1998; Uchida & Kitayama, 2009), posing challenges to the multicultural quality of life for people in culturally plural organizations or societies, but also the
[183] PDF — the factors that affect quality of life (i.e., access to and availability of health care, socioeconomic conditions, etc.). Maintaining sensitivity to this diversity while producing cross-culturally comparable data is the challenge currently facing quality of life researchers working on cross-cultural quality of life assessment instruments.
[184] Issues in cross-cultural quality-of-life research - PubMed — Purpose: To examine cross-cultural measurement of quality of life (QOL) and issues to consider in adapting quality-of-life instruments. Organizing construct: Health-related quality of life. Methods: Review of the literature on cross-cultural QOL using the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), 1982 to February 2000, and Medline, 1966 to May 2000, databases.
[185] A review of quality of life (QOL) assessments and indicators: Towards a ... — In the methodological construct of QOL assessment and QOL-related index development, we need to consider important factors such as the purpose of the assessment or index, the multidimensionality of the QOL concept, the time and unit of analysis, and data availability in the selection of dimensions, indicators, and their corresponding variables (Rinner 2007; Grasso and Canova 2008; Narayana 2009; González et al. Our review revealed that (i) QOL assessments varied in terms of conceptual foundations, dimensions, indicators, and units of analysis, (ii) compared with economic and environmental indicators, social indicators were consistently used across assessments; (iii) most assessments considered indicators that were related to the life-ability of a person, enjoyment of life, utility of life, and especially the livability of the environment, and (iv) QOL could be based on objective indicators and/or subjective well-being, and on a composite index or unaggregated dimensions and indicators.