title: Influence of distances between places of residence and wind farms on the quality of life in nearby areas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The quality of life has three main characteristics: it always refers to the living conditions of an individual; it is measured both with subjective and objective indicators; and it is a multidimensional concept.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess how the quality of life is affected by the close proximity of wind farms.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 1,277 Polish adults (703 women and 574 men), living in places located near wind farms. The mean age was 45.5 ± 16.10. Some 33.2% of participants lived more than 1,500 m from wind farms; 17% - below 700 m. The research tool consisted of the Norwegian version of the SF-36 General Health Questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for health assessment, and original questions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regardless of the distance between a place of residence and a wind farm, the highest quality of life was noted within the physical functioning subscale (mean 76±27.97), and the lowest within the general health (mean 55.3±24.06). Within all scales, the quality of life was assessed highest by residents of areas located closest to wind farms, and the lowest by those living more than 1,500 m from wind farms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Close proximity of wind farms does not result in the worsening of the quality of life. Similar research should be conducted before any intended investment, and at least 6 months after construction of a wind farm.
authors: Public Health Department, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland. b_mroczek@data.pl
authors: Bożena
authors: B
authors: Mroczek
authors: Donata
authors: D
authors: Kurpas
authors: Beata
authors: B
authors: Karakiewicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland; D011210:Power Plants; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014919:Wind; D055815:Young Adult