The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59487

Francine Axler, MPH¹, Lynne Kotranski, PhD¹, Ilisa Stalberg, MSS, MLSP¹, and Robin Wilcox, MPA². (1) Research and Evaluation, Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, 260 S. Broad Street, 20th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 985-2521, francine@phmc.org, (2) Public Health and Community Consultant, Wilcox Consulting, 1035 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-6736

Research has documented that a decline in community interaction or social capital is a threat to civic and personal health. Social bonds have shown to be powerful predictors of life satisfaction and the loss of this social capital has proven to have negative effects on health.

This presentation examines the relationship between social capital and health behaviors in a metropolitan area. The data for this presentation are from PHMC’s 2002 Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Household Health Survey which is conducted by telephone in over 10,000 households in Philadelphia and four suburban counties. This survey is the largest local community health survey conducted in the United States.

Preliminary findings suggest that the overwhelming majority of residents (86.3%) feel a sense of community belonging; these residents are more likely to have excellent/good health (82.3%) than those who do not (74.3%). Adults without a sense of belonging report one and one half times as many physically unhealthy days (mean=4.6) and twice as many mentally unhealthy days (mean=6.7) as those who feel a sense of belonging (mean=3.3 and 3.0, respectively). Adults who do not participate in community groups are also more likely to be physically and mentally unhealthy (mean=4.2 and 4.4 days) compared to those who do (mean=2.9 and 2.6 days).

The implications of these results for health and social service education and outreach to improve community health and quality of life will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
• "List several general health behaviors that may be impacted on by issues of social capital."
• "Describe the implications of social capital and health behaviors to improve community health."
• "Develop education and outreach programs to improve quality of life."

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.