Investigating the relationships between social capital, chronic health conditions and health status among Australian adults: findings from an Australian national cohort survey

Abstract

Background: Social capital is a collective attribute of communities that determines health and well-being of populations. The collective resources in a high social capital community have been reported to result in better health outcomes. While evidence supports the links between social capital and various health outcomes, it is not clear about underlying mechanisms connecting multiple dimensions of social capital to health. Methods: Using the two-wave data from a nationally representative cohort study of Australian adults (N = 16,637), this study examined the effects of two dimensions of social capital (i.e., structural and cognitive social capital) on physical and mental health in the Australian adult population. Based on prior literature and theoretical reasoning, it was anticipated that the structural and cognitive social capital would influence self-assessed health status (physical and mental health). Additionally, these two dimensions of social capital were hypothesized to moderate the relationships between chronic health conditions and these two aspects of health status. Results: Analyses showed that the effects of chronic health conditions on mental health status were moderated by the structural social capital (β = .652, SE = .249, p = .009). Additionally, it was found that perceived community cohesion was predictive of mental health (β = .295, SE = .103, p = .004). Our analysis also indicated that perceptions of disadvantaged neighbourhood environment contributed to poorer mental health status (β = −.461, SE = .144, p = .001). However, none of the social capital variables significantly predicted physical health status. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the structural dimension of social capital would function as a buffer against the malicious effects of chronic health conditions, impairments and disabilities. Specifically, community participation (structural social capital) is indispensable to develop an effective community-based program to improve health and well-being of those with chronic health conditions or disabilities, as increasing active participation may generate beneficial effects in this vulnerable population. Subjective perceptions about communities can also play an important role in improving better health outcomes. Further research is needed to examine underlying mechanisms linking the multiple dimensions of social capital to health outcomes among individuals who are vulnerable to external stressors.

Social Capital, Political Efficacy and Chinese Residents’ Willingness to Participate in Food Safety Governance

“…All variables were rated on 5-point Likert scales (1 = completely disagree/unwilling; 2 = relatively disagree/unwilling; 3 = usually; 4 = relatively agree/willing; 5 = agree/willing). All measurement items were adapted from existing literature [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. These items were adjusted, demonstrated and tested in combination with China’s national conditions.…”

“… Social Engagement (SE) (5) I often participate in the activities of informal groups (villagers’ associations, interest associations, etc.). [ 45 , 46 ] (6) I often participate in community volunteer activities. (7) I often participate in various activities carried out by the community (health lectures, cultural and sports activities, etc.).…”

“… Reciprocity Norm (RN) (12) When relatives are in trouble, I will take the initiative to help. [ 45 , 48 ] (13) When neighbours and friends are in trouble, I will take the initiative to help. (14) When strangers are in trouble, I will take the initiative to help.…”

Social capital and wellbeing among Australian adults’ during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

“…Social capital plays a key role in shaping social and economic outcomes, and research has demonstrated that societies with higher social capital have higher incomes, are less corrupt, are healthier, and function better [ 11 ]. In fact, there is a direct association between social capital and health, with strong social capital correlated with health information sharing among family members and higher self-rated overall health [ 12 , 13 ]. Indeed, social capital has the ability to improve economic efficiency through coordination and cooperation of shared norms to grow entrepreneurial firms, engage in technological advances and enhance strategic alliances [ 11 ].…”

Partner relationships, hopelessness, and health status strongly predict maternal well-being: an approach using light gradient boosting machine

“…Another research 5 suggests that during an infectious disease epidemic, pregnant women may be particularly distressed because of concerns about their health. Social capital has been suggested to positively impact health status because of its knowledge transfer channels, reinforced behavioral norms, and community cohesion 39 . Recent studies 40 have indicated that community cohesion is linked to the increased use of preventive health care.…”