Development and Application of Environmental Quality of Life Scale Among People Residing Near Three Types of Industrial Areas, Southern Thailand

To compare QOL among rural people living in three different industrial areas and one non-industrial area in southern Thailand. A questionnaire based on the WHOQOL-BREF with environmental assessment was initially developed. After consultation with experts and pilot study, it was tested to check internal reliability and further modified as necessary. The final version was then used to survey residents of three rural areas close to organic industries, a gas refinery, and an electricity power plant and residents from a non-industrial area. The developed scale has acceptable reliability coefficient (0.76). The overall QOL scores among those living in all study areas were high (mean > 3.75 out of 5). Only environmental QOL domain was slightly low (mean = 3.7) among these living close to the gas refinery area where people were distinctively disturbed by various types of pollution. Unpleasant odours were reported by residents living close to the power plant and areas of organic industries. After adjustment for age, education, income level and marital status, the residents of industrial areas were more than two times likely to have an unfavorable QOL. The level of pollution in the study industrial area should be reduced.