A Survey of Youth Satisfaction with the Life and Living in Rural Areas (Case Study: Anaj County of Khondab Township)

Lack of control over the uncontrolled migration of rural youth to cities leads to many economic, social, cultural and environmental problems and crises at the origin and destination of migration. Recognizing and increasing the satisfaction of young people with living in rural areas has an important role in the survival of young people and the sustainability of rural settlements.The present research method is descriptive-analytical with the aim of determining the level of satisfaction of young people aged 15 to 29 years from living in the villages of Anaj County of Khondab Township. The sample size was 371 people determined by Cochran's formula. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Satisfaction indicators were measured in 4 dimensions: economic, social, physical-infrastructural and environmental in the form of eight indicators of employment, income, cost, health and social security, communication and social ties, physical, infrastructure, and environmental quality. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and the mean rank of variables and one-sample t-test and stepwise regression were used. The results showed that the average overall satisfaction is moderate. Satisfaction was lower than average in terms of employment, income and cost, but higher than average in terms of indicator of health and social security, communication and social ties, physical, infrastructure, and environmental quality. Also, environmental indicator has the most impact and cost indicator has the least impact on youth satisfaction. To increase satisfaction, it is necessary to implement supportive policies such as entrepreneurship in agriculture and tourism, facilities for purchasing agricultural machinery and upgrading educational and health facilities.