Correlation between Social Capital and Health Status: A Case Study of the Latino Immigrants Residing in the Lehigh Valley

In the past decade, public health researchers have begun to explore the relationship between social capital and health status. However, limited research has been conducted that examines the impact of social capital on immigrants' health status.

The purpose of this research study is to determine if a correlation exists between social capital and health status of the Latino immigrants residing in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

This research study surveyed 147 Latino immigrants from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Central and South American countries using a validated multi-lingual instrument that collected information on: demographics; language; associations with groups and networks; social inclusion and cohesion, perceived health status; other sources of information and perceived health status.

The results show that a relationship exists between social capital and health status of the Latino Immigrants of the Lehigh Valley. Latino immigrants who belong to groups, organizations, and associations reported better health status than those without ties to groups, organizations, and associations. Those participants that reported better health status were more likely to visit a dentist and a doctor on a regular basis, and have more support outside of their immediate family (financial and childcare assistance). Immigrants with better English language ability reported that they did not belong to groups, organizations, or associations, but households of immigrants who read a newspaper reported belonging to groups, organizations, or associations. .