An Analysis of Driving and Inhibiting Factors Influencing the Quality of Life in Rural Areas (Case Study: Villages in the Central District of Astara County)

Document Type : Research Article - Case Study

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Student in Rural Planning Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

10.22124/gscaj.2025.29609.1342

Abstract

The quality of life in rural communities is a crucial issue closely linked to the residents' long-term settlement and the prevention of rural-to-urban migration. The present study sought to explore the driving and inhibiting factors influencing the improvement of the quality of life in rural areas. This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The required data were collected through library and field methods (questionnaire). The statistical population consisted of 4,998 rural households in the central district of Astara County. From among them 357 were selected as a sample using Cochran's formula, which was increased to 360 respondents to improve the reliability of results. The collected data were analyzed using SMART PLS and SPSS software. Based on standard estimates, the impact of driving factors was as follows: economic-institutional index (0.625), social index (0.739), environmental-ecological index (0.877), and infrastructural-physical index (0.580). In terms of inhibiting factors, the following effects were estimated: economic-institutional index (0.705), social index (0.532), environmental-ecological index (0.413), and infrastructural-physical index (0.619), all related to the quality of life. Finally, necessary recommendations were provided.

Highlights

  • The aim of this study was to examine the driving and inhibiting factors influential on the quality of life in rural areas of the Central District of Astara County, to identify the key elements contributing to the improvement of rural living conditions, and to propose appropriate strategies for enhancing residents' living conditions.
  • Among the driving factors, the environmental-ecological index with a value of 0.877 had the greatest influence, while among the inhibiting factors, the economic-institutional index with a value of 0.705 had the most significant influence.
  • Findings indicated that improving the quality of rural life requires a multidimensional approach that aligns with local and contextual conditions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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