Determinants of life satisfaction and life quality: The role of health services satisfaction and health status

The concept of life satisfaction means that individuals subjectively evaluate their lives; quality of life is a much more comprehensive concept that includes a number of objective indicators as well as satisfaction. However, the concepts of happiness, subjective well being, life satisfaction and quality of life are used similarly and they can not be exactly separated from each other. Both life satisfaction and quality of life are influenced by the income levels of individuals, educational backgrounds, ages, genders, working status, etc. In addition, health status and healthcare utilization are the most important factors affecting both variables. Thus, the aim of this study is to reveal the level of life satisfaction and quality of life of individuals living in Turkey and to examine the changes, by years. Furthermore, it aims to discuss the effects of individual and demographic factors as well as subjective health assessments of individuals and the health services satisfaction on life satisfaction and quality of life. As a result of the research; Turkey's overall life satisfaction and quality of life have incresead in all years. Individual and demographic factors, it has been found that the life satisfaction is affected by as well as public service satisfaction levels. Moreover, the relationship between subjective health assessments and levels of life satisfaction and quality of life is statistically significant; In addition to health status, it has been determined that the level of educational background, income levels, age, gender, and marital status affect life satisfaction and quality of life. When changes are examined by periods, it is observed that there has been a steady increase in both life quality and life satisfaction since 2008. It is thought that the findings of this research will provide evidence-based information in evaluating the public services and making sound social and health policies.