Assessment of the Selected Health Factors by Polonia in the Greater Toronto Area in the Relation to Their Quality and Standard of Living

Abstract

Quality of life constitutes an indicator of well-being, satisfaction or happiness resulting from one’s existence. It is often referred to as a standard of living. In general, it is contentment with the fulfilment of one’s needs. The main objective of the article is to describe the selected components of the living standards and quality of life within the Polish community of the Greater Toronto Area which includes four regions: Halton, Peel, York and Durham. The model of mutually affecting objective factors (standard of living) and subjective factors (quality of life) will be presented. The specific factors (demographic, social, cultural, economic, legal, educational, geographical and health-related) included in field studies among the respondents and based on assigned indices influencing the quality of life in the Polish community of the Greater Toronto Area, will be demonstrated. The major goal of the paper is to present an assessment of aspects related to health factors, both in terms of objective factors (standard of living) and subjective ones (quality of life) by Polonia living in the Greater Toronto Area. Results will be shown on the basis of the survey questionnaire completed by 583 respondents. The questions focused on, among other issues, access to the healthcare system, competence of medical staff and access to sports facilities. Respondents also evaluated their satisfaction with their general health, both physical and mental, as well as the possibility of practicing sports associated with healthy lifestyle.