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Satisfaction With Economic and Social Rights and Quality of Life in a Post-Disaster Zone in China: Evidence From Earthquake-Prone Sichuan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2015

Ying Liang
Ying Liang*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Peoples Republic of China.
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Ying Liang, Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023 Peoples Republic of China (e-mail: njulucy66@163.com).
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Abstract

Objective

This study explored the influence of satisfaction with economic and social rights (ESR) on the quality of life (QOL) of people in post-disaster zones in Sichuan, China.

Methods

Data from a survey conducted in 2013 in the 5 hardest hit counties in the earthquake-prone area of Sichuan were used. QOL was measured by use of the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Structural equation models were developed to determine the specific features of the influence of satisfaction with ESR on QOL.

Results

The mean values of both the WHOQOL-BREF scale and the ESR satisfaction scale were lower than the midpoint of the scales. Satisfaction with ESR had a significant effect on psychological health, social relationships, and environment, apart from physical health. Satisfaction with the right to food had the greatest effect on QOL, followed by the rights to education, work, health, social security, and housing.

Conclusions

Satisfaction with ESR had a significant positive influence on the QOL of people in a post-disaster zone, particularly satisfaction with the right to food. Policies on food and education guarantees and mental health intervention are highlighted. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:111-118)

Keywords

natural disastersearthquakessecurity measurespublic healthhealth care facilitiesmanpowerand services
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , April 2015 , pp. 111 - 118
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2015 

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