This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of Palestinians living in conditions of chronic conflict and examined its determinants. An adapted World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQoL-Bref) instrument was used in a representative sample of 1,008 adults. Factor analysis and multiple regression were conducted to determine associations between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and scores of extracted principal determinants, and estimated overall and domain-specific QoL scores. Men, older persons and those less educated reported lower QoL than their counterparts. Negative associations were also found with higher distress and fear levels, and lower financial and freedom status. The chronic and entrenched conflict over generations resulted in lower QoL for the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

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SUMMARYOne of the main problems related to donor-supported health projects in the developing world is their lack of sustainability once external assistance has ended. Although 'projectized development assistance' is viewed by many as inappropriate to bring about development, projects are bound to remain for some time an important instrument of development assistance. Project managers, donor agencies and recipient countries need to be aware of the extent that their projects are likely to be sustained in the future and contribute to the viability of the whole health system. This article proposes a concep tual framework to monitor the performance of externally-assisted health projects in building their own sustainability. Possible criteria and indicators are discussed.

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