Capital social y salud mental en comunidades urbanas de nivel socioeconómico bajo, en Santiago, Chile: Nuevas formas de entender la relación comunidad-salud

• Fernando C Poblete ^[1] ; Jaime C Sapag ^[1] ; Thomas J Bossert ^[2]
  1. [1] Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

     Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

     Santiago, Chile

     
  2. [2] Harvard School of Public Health Department of Population and International Health
• Localización: Revista Médica de Chile, ISSN-e 0034-9887, Vol. 136, Nº. 2, 2008, págs. 230-239
• Idioma: español
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Social capital and mental health in low income urban communities in Santiago, Chile
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• Resumen

  • Many studies suggest that social capital, defined as those intangible resources of a society or community (trust, participation and reciprocity), that might facilitate collective action, can be associated with positive health effects. Aim: To explore the relationship between social capital an the level of mental health, in urban communities of Santiago, Chile. Material and methods: In a qualitative-quantitative cross-sectional design, two low income neighborhoods in the municipality of Puente Alto were selected. Interviews to key agents and focus groups, as well as surveys (407) to adults from a representative random sample of households, were conducted, measuring social capital, using a locally devised questionnaire and mental health using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12 instrument). A qualitative analysis based on the «grounded theory» and a quantitative analysis through correlations and simple and logistic regression models were applied. Results: The quantitative analysis found an association between female gender, education and having a chronic disease, with low levels of mental health. At the same time, the trust component of social capital might be associated with a better mental health status. Qualitatively, all the components of social capital were identified as important for a better mental health. Conclusions: This study suggests the existence of a positive relationship between social capital and mental health. Developing trust in a community might be a useful tool to work in mental health at the community level