141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

293684
Social capital and health in the least developed countries: A critical review of the literature and implications for a future research agenda

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

William Story, MPH , Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Research on the linkage between social capital and health has grown exponentially in recent years; however, there is a dearth of evidence from resource-poor countries. This review provides a critical analysis of the literature on social capital and health in the least developed countries (LDCs), and suggests future research directions for social capital and health in the developing world. Of the 14 studies reviewed, 12 took place in Africa and two in South Asia. All used cross-sectional study designs, including five qualitative and nine quantitative studies. The literature reviewed suggests that social capital is an important factor for improving health in resource-poor settings; however, more research is needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms through which social capital affects health in the developing world.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Provision of health care to the public
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between the different forms of social capital. Describe the mechanisms through which social capital affects health in resource-poor countries. Identify at least one future research priority for social capital and health in the developing world.

Keywords: Community Capacity, Community Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: PhD candidate and consultant with many years of experience in Global Health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.