Social capital and geographical variation in the incidence of COVID-19: an ecological study

Abstract

BackgroundThe new behavioural norms needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are likely scaffolded by social capital. Research on social capital and COVID-19 has yielded mixed results, with some studies finding it to be protective while others identifying it as a risk factor. We examined the association between social capital and COVID-19 at a finer spatial scale than previous research, and examined changes in the relationship over the course of the pandemic.MethodsRoutine COVID-19 surveillance data from Wales were linked to estimates of social capital at a small area level. Generalised linear mixed effects models predicting COVID-19 case rates across areas using social capital estimates and possible confounding variables were fitted to the data. A moving window version of the analysis explored whether this relationship varied across time.ResultsAreas with higher levels of social capital had lower rates of COVID-19 (rate ratio for trust=0.94, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.96; rate ratio for belonging=0.94, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.96). These associations were strongest during periods of lockdown, with evidence that social capital was less protective, and potentially even a risk factor, during periods when restrictions were eased. Trust, but not belonging, remained protective after adjusting for deprivation, population density, ethnicity and proportion population aged over 65 years.ConclusionsSocial capital is an important public health resource, which should be considered in future pandemic preparedness. Its importance may be greatest during times when social activity is most restricted.

Association between Cooperative Attitude and High-Risk Behaviors on the Spread of COVID-19 Infection among Medical Students in Japan

“…These phenomena are considered the dark side of social capital [ 26 ]. Previous studies also confirmed that social capital could increase the risk of infection during the pandemic [ 27 , 28 ].…”

Mapping social capital across Wales (UK) using secondary data and spatial analysis

“…Although several conceptualisations of social capital exist, the three main ones often cited are attributable to Bourdieu, Coleman and Putnam (Daykin et al 2021 ). Based largely on the premise that social relationships affect social processes, it has been used in several fields to understand key processes that affect outcomes, such as in public health research (Gregson et al 2004 ; Villalonga-Olives et al 2018 ; Saville and Thomas 2022 ). Bourdieu’s work connects social capital to economic and cultural capital, making it a concept that helps to critically explore how power operates, specifically in relation to networks (Swartz 2012 ).…”