The quality of life of Palestinians living in chronic conflict: Assessment and determinants

Abstract

This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of Palestinians living in conditions of chronic conflict and examined its determinants. An adapted World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQoL-Bref) instrument was used in a representative sample of 1,008 adults. Factor analysis and multiple regression were conducted to determine associations between demographic and socio- economic characteristics and scores of extracted principal determinants, and estimated overall and domain-specific QoL scores. Men, older persons and those less educated reported lower QoL than their counterparts. Negative associations were also found with higher distress and fear levels, and lower financial and freedom status. The chronic and entrenched conflict over generations resulted in lower QoL for the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.