Short Abstract:

Quality of life (QoL) of people is the most valuable asset that every human being values and has sufficient reason to value. One of the approaches to assessing the quality of life of people is the capability approach. The objective of this study is to identify and select capabilities that determine the quality of life of people living in the slums of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Long Abstract:

Selecting Capabilities to Assess the Quality of Life of People Living in the Slums of Kathmandu Valley Nepal

Kishor Khanal*1, Shankar Prasad Khanal2

1,2 Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Statistics, Kathmandu Nepal

1 Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, and Community Engagement Division, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel Nepal

*khanalkishorst@gmail.com

Abstract

Background

Quality of life (QoL) of people is the most valuable asset that every human being values and has sufficient reason to value. One of the approaches to assessing the quality of life of people is the capability approach. The capability approach focuses on what people can do and what they can be.

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify and select capabilities that determine the quality of life of people living in the slums of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and based on those capabilities develop a questionnaire to assess the quality of their life.

Method

Twelve focus group discussions (FGD) with eighty-three adult female and sixty-six adult male participants were conducted to explore the relevant concept of quality of life in the slums of Kathmandu Valley. For conducting FGD, sample slums were selected from the published sampling frame of the slums and squatters’ settlements inside Kathmandu Valley. The criteria for selecting the slums/ squatters’ settlements were based on: riverside, personal or ailani land, new/ old settlements, occupations of residents, and based on safety. Focus group discussions were recorded, and transcribed. Major findings were tabulated, analyzed, and categorized under different domains.

Result

Twelve focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted for the study. The number of participants on the FGD varies between nine to eighteen. Total number of participants in the FGD were 149. The mean age of the participants was 49.35 years (Standard deviation = 12.95 years) and the median age was 47 years (range = 26 years to 77 years). Majority of the participants were female (n = 83; 55.7 %). Most of the participants were Hindu (n=82; 55%) followed by Buddhist (n= 38; 25.5%), Christian (n = 16; 10.7%), Kirat (n= 12; 8.1%), and Bonmargi (n= 1; 0.7%). Most of the participants were Janajati (n 91; 61.6%) followed by Dalit (n 24; 16.1%), Brahmin (n=18; 12.1%), Chhetri (n =13; 8.7%) Newar (n=2; 1.3%), and Thakuri (n=1; 0.7%). The education level of the participants varies between illiterate to Master’s degree, and most of the participant's education level was literate ( n=45; 30.2%). Most of the participants were homemakers (n= 53; 35.57%). The majority of the participants were married (n= 124; 83.2%). The family size of the participants varies between one to nine having a mean family size of 4.49 (SD = 1.7), and a median family size was four.

Based on the participatory approach, multiple dimensions were identified that people value and they have reason to value the quality of life. Seventy generic factors were identified that were responsible for determining their quality of life and other 46 specific factors were identified that were more valued by the slum dwellers that determine their quality of life.

All the Identified dimensions, both generic and specific, were broadly classified under the domain of physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationship and social life quality, environment, spiritual/personal/ religious beliefs, quality of health and education, economic satisfaction, quality transportation system, recreational quality, quality of utility services, governance quality, life, bodily health, bodily integrity, sense, imagination, and thought, emotions, practical reasons, affiliations, other species, play, control over one’s environment

Conclusion

Based on the specific set of capabilities identified by the method of FGD and literature review, determinants of QoL for the given population will be used to develop the questionnaire for measuring and modeling the Quality of Life of people living in the slums of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Key Words

Capability approach, Quality of life, Focus group, Participatory approach, slums