Evaluating life quality in urban areas using ISM, FAHP, WASPAS techniques (Case study: Qom city)

Urban life quality as a dynamic and multidimensional concept is one of the most important areas of urban studies in different countries focusing on all objective and non-objective aspects of life. The purpose of the present study is to determine the status of life quality index and the weaknesses and strengnesses of its criteria in the areas of Qom city. The research method was descriptive-analytic and the data gathering method was a combination of documentary and expert assistance. Then a questionnaire was designed to be completed on the field. What is being discussed in this paper is the accurate understanding of the concept of life quality and measuring citizen’s satisfaction of it in urban areas of Qom. Data analysis was performed using the ISM, FAHP and WASPAS methods. The results show that regions 1 and 4 with , were selected as the best regions. The selection, of course, was based on some factors such as high levels of regional security; easier access to public transportation; having more administrative centers, job status, better neighborhoods and the availability of appropriate cultural facilities. Also, regions 2 and 6 were selected as the worst regions due to their worse job conditions, accommodation of low-income households, inadequate access to services and stores, and disposal of sewage.