Rebuilding Social Capital through Osekkai Conferences in Rural Communities: A Social Network Analysis

Abstract

Social prescribing can promote the creation of new relationships, which may then promote the building of social capital in communities. One example of a social prescribing tool in Japan is Osekkai conferences, which increase social participation and mitigate the degree of loneliness in rural communities. A clarification of the changes in social interaction and intensity of connections among people through Osekkai conferences could contribute to better social prescribing in rural communities. This social network study was conducted among people who have participated in an Osekkai conference. The primary outcomes of degrees and centrality were measured as the degree of social capital. The primary outcomes were compared between April and September 2021 and between October 2021 and March 2022. The continuous performance of Osekkai conferences as social prescribing tools led to an increase in conference participation, mainly by middle-aged women in the communities. Based on a social network analysis, the average direct connection with each person did not increase; the network density decreased gradually; the network diameter decreased from 6 to 5. Regarding the node-level statistics, harmonic closeness centrality and eccentricity decreased, and modularity increased. Social prescribing initiatives should focus on improving social capital in communities, which may improve the number and meaningfulness of the collaborations among organizations and indigenous communities.

Reviving Health Osekkai in Rural Japan: Collaborative Strategies of Family Physicians and Medical Students Against Social Isolation

“…Japan's rural communities have historically been known for mutual assistance and community welfare [ 1 , 2 ]. These communities, characterized by their strong interdependence, have faced significant challenges due to demographic shifts, including aging populations and urban migration, as well as the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic [ 2 ]. This paper explores the revival of traditional Japanese values through the Osekkai initiative, a concept rooted in voluntary mutual assistance, in these changing times.…”

“…Osekkai, traditionally a platform for neighborly support, extends beyond material aid to include emotional solidarity and active community participation [ 2 , 3 ]. This concept has historical roots in Japanese culture, where community cohesion was paramount [ 3 ].…”

“…Preliminary studies indicate reduced loneliness among participants engaged in Osekkai activities [ 4 , 5 ]. The holistic approach taken by family physicians, coupled with the proactive involvement of medical students, positions Osekkai as an effective strategy against social isolation [ 2 , 3 ].…”

The Association Between Community Participation and Loneliness Among Patients in Rural Community Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These factors collectively contribute to the deterioration of an individual's health condition, highlighting the importance of social ties and community engagement in promoting health and well-being [7,8]. This relationship is especially pronounced in rural areas, where adults often face more significant challenges in accessing community resources and engaging in social activities, thereby exacerbating their risk of isolation and its associated health consequences [9,10]. The hypothesis that community participation can mitigate the effects of social isolation and improve health outcomes forms the basis of this research.…”

Mutually Supportive and Inclusive Societies Driven by Community Social Workers in Japan: A Thematic Analysis of Japanese Comics

“…One solution posits establishing and nurturing new relationships within communities or rebuilding previous social interactions with both locals and immigrants [6]. By forging new social ties, it becomes feasible to bridge the gaps in the social systems and combat increasing rates of social isolation [7,8]. Creating relationships in communities can enhance the social capital of the people and communities.…”