Analysis of the Impact of Natural Environment and Ecosystem on Citizens' Sense of Happiness (Case Study: Selected Neighborhoods in the City of Rudkhanāri, Ahvāz)

Document Type : Research article - extracted from the dissertation

Authors

1 Ph.D student in Geography and Urban Planning, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvāz, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvāz, Iran.

Abstract

The present study focuses on the impact of natural environmental and ecosystem factors on the happiness of the citizens of Ahvāz, within the scope of geographical health. The city of Ahvāz faces environmental issues such as air and dust pollution, lack of green spaces, marginalization and inequality in service delivery, waste and sewage pollution, water quality, and flood crises in the Kārun River basin. The present research was practical and descriptive-analytical. The utilized tools consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire and the standardized Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. The statistical population included citizens of Ahvāz (both female and male) within the age range of 15 years and above (887,280 individuals). The sample size, based on Cochran's formula, was 385 individuals, and a relative stratified sampling method was employed in six selected neighborhoods: Shahrak-e Naft, Kiānpars, Gate Boostān, Ᾱmeri, Manba'e Ᾱb, and Kooye Alavi. SPSS and GIS softwares, and the Cocoso method were used for data analysis. The findings indicated that natural environmental and ecosystem factors have an impact on the happiness of Ahvāz citizens. Factors such as air and dust pollution score -0.132, waste and sewage status score -0.109, and flood natural hazard score -0.077, negatively affect the level of citizens' happiness. Moreover, there are differences among the studied neighborhoods in terms of the susceptibility of happiness levels to natural environmental and ecosystem factors, particularly in Kooye Alavi and Manba'e Ᾱb neighborhoods. Finally, some recommendations provided including improving the quality of the environment, utilizing the potential of the Kārun River, and optimizing the use of abandoned and neglected spaces along this axis, transforming them into attractive areas for people's presence.
 
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Given that the concept of happiness is multidimensional and influenced by various conditions and factors in urban environments, the present study will focus on the analysis of the impact of natural and ecological factors on the happiness of the citizens in Ahvāz within the geographical context of health. Today, the issue of urban health and a healthy lifestyle is one of the fundamental issues in discussions on the geographical health, quality of life, and sustainable development, considering the growing population, urbanization, poverty, marginalization, etc. In terms of environmental conditions, what makes health a more significant concern is factors such as air pollution, lack of sewage collection and treatment systems, lack of access to the clean water, improper resource management, and escalating waste and domestic sewage, all of which can affect the health of citizens. Some urban neighborhoods and areas are deprived of many urban services, to the extent that a significant portion of them do not even have access to safe drinking water. Moreover, poverty, lack of facilities and infrastructure, limited access to healthcare services, malnutrition, inadequate housing, etc., are characteristics of residents in such neighborhoods and areas, creating problems in terms of mental and even physical health as well as the level of happiness of the citizens. Additionally, the phenomenon of dust and particulate matter pollution is one of the major serious environmental issues.
The city of Rudkenāri in Ahvāz, as a major city in Iran, also faces numerous environmental challenges. The specific climatic conditions of Khuzestān Province and the city of Ahvāz are reasons to address the issue of citizens' happiness in Ahvāz and its related factors. In recent years, one recurring phenomenon that significantly affects the weather conditions in Ahvāz is dust and particulate matter pollution. The consequences of this phenomenon in Ahvāz include health hazards and impacts on public health (respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, migration motivations and trends among the middle class or individuals with weakened immune systems). Additionally, air pollution in the city of Ahvāz is attributed to the presence of industrial zones and heavy industries surrounding the city. Furthermore, environmental pollution in the Kārun River, water quality issues, and problems related to sewage disposal and waste management are other important factors to consider in addressing the issue of happiness in the city of Rudkenāri, Ahvāz.
Therefore, currently, citizen happiness is recognized as a significant issue in the city of Ahvāz, which becomes increasingly important with the urbanization trend and the rise of urban problems and challenges. These issues put citizens' mental and social well-being at risk, thereby highlighting the necessity of addressing the state of citizens' happiness in Ahvāz. In light of the aforementioned issues, the present research aimed to answer two questions:
1) Do natural and ecological factors significantly impact the happiness of citizens in Ahvāz?
2) How influential are natural and ecological factors on the happiness of citizens in selected neighborhoods of Ahvāz?
Methodology
This research was practical in terms of purpose and methodologically it was descriptive-analytical. In the descriptive section, key variables and determinants of happiness were extracted and collected from relevant sources and background information. Since the subject of happiness falls within the realm of behavioral geography, the main tool for obtaining information is the use of questionnaires. Therefore, the questionnaire used in this research included standardized questionnaires, including the 29-item Oxford Happiness Questionnaire.
The geographical scope of this research is the Roudkenari district in Ahvāz. The statistical population consisted of citizens aged 15 and above, totaling 887,280 individuals from the entire population of Ahvāz. For ease of measurement, six neighborhoods of Ahvāz city were selected as case samples, representing the target population of the study (Figure 3). It is worth mentioning that some selected neighborhoods, such as Kiānpārs and Ᾱmeri, are located in the vicinity and the Kārun River coast. The sample size was estimated proportional to the population size of the selected neighborhoods, resulting in 385 questionnaires. The sampling method used was relative allocation (stratified sampling).
For data analysis, statistical methods such as means of responses and linear regression were employed using SPSS software. Additionally, ArcGIS and Excel software were utilized. The multi-criteria decision-making method, COCOSO, was used for ranking the selected neighborhoods.
Results and discussion
The findings indicated that environmental and ecosystem factors have an impact on the happiness levels of the citizens of Ahvāz. Factors such as air pollution and dust, with a score of -132.0, the condition of sewage and waste with a score of -109.0, and the natural hazard of floods with a score of -77.0, have negatively affected the level of happiness among citizens. Furthermore, among the studied neighborhoods, there are differences in terms of the effectiveness of the level of happiness from the natural environment and ecosystem factors, particularly in the Alavi neighborhood and the Manba'e Ᾱb area.
Based on the results, the overall environmental conditions and pollution levels in the city of Ahvāz have had a range of effects on its citizens. These conditions have significantly impacted their health and activity levels. However, in peripheral neighborhoods such as Alavi and Manba'e Ᾱb area, the situation has been more severe for the residents in terms of their health and happiness.
Conclusion
The results of this research confirmed the perspective of behavioral geography, which emphasizes the impact of environmental and external factors, particularly location, on human emotions, perceptions, and ultimately behavior. Furthermore, the findings of this study aligned with the behavioral geography viewpoint regarding the influence of environmental factors, especially natural and ecosystem factors, on the level of happiness of citizens.
Funding
This research was not supported by any particular center or institution.
Authors’ Contribution
The authors of this research, Dr. Nāhid Sajjādiān contributed about 20% and Ms. Safiyeh Dāmanbāgh contributed 80% in the conceptualization and writing of the article. Both authors approved the content of the article submitted for review and agree on all aspects of the work.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the persons for scientific consulting in this paper.

Highlights

- The amount of effects of environmental conditions and pollution is different in different places of Ahvaz city.
- In the marginal neighborhoods, including Koi Alavi and Source Water, the environmental conditions have created a more acute situation for the vitality of the citizens.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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