Ali Akbar Haghdoost1, Mohsen Momeni2, Faezeh Bahraminejad3, Mina Danaei4. 1. HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Future studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Future studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran. 3. Health Services Management Research Centre, Institute for Future studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran. 4. Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Happiness is considered an index of the development of human society and well-being in the world. AIMS: The aim of this study was to measure the level of happiness in a middle sized Iranian city (Kerman) using 2 instruments and the predictor factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 1000 adults were questioned using multi-stage cluster sampling in 2016. The LoH was assessed using the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) and a self-report questionnaire. The level of physical activity and the religion index were assessed using standard questionnaires. RESULTS: The results of 2 questionnaires had a statistically significant correlation with measuring level of happiness (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.69; P-value < 0.001). Around 90% of participants stated that they had moderate to high LoH, but the mean happiness score based on the OHI was 43.2 (43.7 in men, 42.7 in women). Illiteracy, unemployment, divorce, living in deprived areas, high level of stress, weak religious beliefs and practice, lower income, and poor health significantly decreased the LoH score. CONCLUSION: Level of happiness is relatively low in Kerman. There are effective evidence-based interventions that might promote the LoH of the population, including promoting the level of community health, educating for stress management and improving access to urban facilities in deprived areas.
BACKGROUND: Happiness is considered an index of the development of human society and well-being in the world. AIMS: The aim of this study was to measure the level of happiness in a middle sized Iranian city (Kerman) using 2 instruments and the predictor factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 1000 adults were questioned using multi-stage cluster sampling in 2016. The LoH was assessed using the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) and a self-report questionnaire. The level of physical activity and the religion index were assessed using standard questionnaires. RESULTS: The results of 2 questionnaires had a statistically significant correlation with measuring level of happiness (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.69; P-value < 0.001). Around 90% of participants stated that they had moderate to high LoH, but the mean happiness score based on the OHI was 43.2 (43.7 in men, 42.7 in women). Illiteracy, unemployment, divorce, living in deprived areas, high level of stress, weak religious beliefs and practice, lower income, and poor health significantly decreased the LoH score. CONCLUSION: Level of happiness is relatively low in Kerman. There are effective evidence-based interventions that might promote the LoH of the population, including promoting the level of community health, educating for stress management and improving access to urban facilities in deprived areas.