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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 5/2014

01-10-2014 | Original Article

The association between social capital measures and self-reported health among Muslim majority nations

Author: Harris Hyun-soo Kim

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2014

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Abstract

Objectives

Much evidence suggests that social capital (e.g. networks, trust, organizational memberships) has a significant effect on self-reported health. Previous research, however, has focused primarily on Western countries. The current research seeks to remedy this problem by investigating the association between multiple social capital indicators and subjective health in a novel empirical setting.

Methods

The data come from the Comparative Values Survey of Islamic Countries (1999–2006) which consists of probabilistic samples from Muslim majority nations. Three-way multilevel analysis is used to examine the social determinants of health.

Results

Statistical results from hierarchical linear modeling shows that frequent contact with strong and intermediate ties (i.e. family members and friends, respectively) is significant, while interaction with weak ties (coworkers) has no association. General trust and trust in the central government are also significantly related to subjective health, as is trust in religious authority, albeit in an inverse way.

Conclusions

This study calls for a more contingent view of the relationship between social capital and self-reported health. Future research needs to take this into consideration in hypothesizing and testing the potential health benefits of social capital.
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Metadata
Title
The association between social capital measures and self-reported health among Muslim majority nations
Author
Harris Hyun-soo Kim
Publication date
01-10-2014
Publisher
Springer Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2014
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0566-6

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