Analysis of the Impact of Natural Environment and Ecosystem on Citizens' Sense of Happiness (Case Study: Selected Neighborhoods in the City of Rudkhanāri, Ahvāz)

The present study focuses on the impact of natural environmental and ecosystem factors on the happiness of the citizens of Ahvāz, within the scope of geographical health. The city of Ahvāz faces environmental issues such as air and dust pollution, lack of green spaces, marginalization and inequality in service delivery, waste and sewage pollution, water quality, and flood crises in the Kārun River basin. The present research was practical and descriptive-analytical. The utilized tools consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire and the standardized Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. The statistical population included citizens of Ahvāz (both female and male) within the age range of 15 years and above (887,280 individuals). The sample size, based on Cochran's formula, was 385 individuals, and a relative stratified sampling method was employed in six selected neighborhoods: Shahrak-e Naft, Kiānpars, Gate Boostān, Ᾱmeri, Manba'e Ᾱb, and Kooye Alavi. SPSS and GIS softwares, and the Cocoso method were used for data analysis. The findings indicated that natural environmental and ecosystem factors have an impact on the happiness of Ahvāz citizens. Factors such as air and dust pollution score -0.132, waste and sewage status score -0.109, and flood natural hazard score -0.077, negatively affect the level of citizens' happiness. Moreover, there are differences among the studied neighborhoods in terms of the susceptibility of happiness levels to natural environmental and ecosystem factors, particularly in Kooye Alavi and Manba'e Ᾱb neighborhoods. Finally, some recommendations provided including improving the quality of the environment, utilizing the potential of the Kārun River, and optimizing the use of abandoned and neglected spaces along this axis, transforming them into attractive areas for people's presence.