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The pet connection: pets as a conduit for social capital?

There is growing interest across a range of disciplines in the relationship between pets and health, with a range of therapeutic, physiological, psychological and psychosocial benefits now documented. While much of the literature has focused on the individual benefits of pet ownership, this study considered the potential health benefits that might accrue to the broader community, as encapsulated in the construct of social capital. A random survey of 339 adult residents from Perth, Western Australia were selected from three suburbs and interviewed by telephone. Pet ownership was found to be positively associated with some forms of social contact and interaction, and with perceptions of neighbourhood friendliness. After adjustment for demographic variables, pet owners scored higher on social capital and civic engagement scales. The results suggest that pet ownership provides potential opportunities for interactions between neighbours and that further research in this area is warranted. Social capital is another potential mechanism by which pets exert an influence on human health.

Adult↗

Psychosocial work conditions, social participation and social capital: a causal pathway investigated in a longitudinal study.

Social capital is often claimed to be promoted by stable social structures such as low migration rates between neighbourhoods and social networks that remain stable over time. However, stable social structures may also inhibit the formation of social capital in the form of social networks and social participation. One example is psychosocial conditions at work, which may be determined by characteristics such as demand and control in the work situation. The study examines the active workforce subpopulation within the Swedish Malmö Shoulder Neck Study. A total of 7836 individuals aged 45-69 years, were interviewed at baseline between 1992 and 1994, and at a 1-year follow-up. Four groups of baseline psychosocial work conditions categories defined by the Karasek-Theorell model (jobstrain, passive, active, relaxed) were analysed according to 13 different social participation items during the past year reported at the 1-year follow-up. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with the jobstrain group as a reference were estimated. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess differences in different aspects of social participation between the four psychosocial work conditions groups. The results show that the respondents within the active category in particular but also the relaxed category, have significantly higher participation in many of the 13 social participation items, even after multivariate adjustments. The results strongly suggest that psychosocial work conditions may be an important determinant of social capital measured as social participation, a finding of immediate public health relevance because of the well known positive association between social participation and health-related behaviours.

Age Factors↗

Perceptions of social capital and the built environment and mental health.

There has been much speculation about a possible association between the social and built environment and health, but the empirical evidence is still elusive. The social and built environments are best seen as contextual concepts but they are usually estimated as an aggregation of individual compositional measures, such as perceptions on trust or the desirability to live in an area. If these aggregated compositional measures were valid measures, one would expect that they would evince correlations at higher levels of data collection (e.g., neighbourhood). The aims of this paper are: (1) to investigate the factor structure of a self-administered questionnaire measuring individual perceptions of trust, social participation, social cohesion, social control, and the built environment; (2) to investigate variation in these factors at higher than the individual level (households and postcodes) in order to assess if these constructs reflect some contextual effect; and (3) to study the association between mental health, as measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and these derived factors. A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken during May-August 2001 in a district of South Wales with a population of 140,000. We found that factor analysis grouped our questions in factors similar to the theoretical ones we had previously envisaged. We also found that approximately one-third of the variance for neighbourhood quality and 10% for social control was explained at postcode (neighbourhood) level after adjusting for individual variables, thus suggesting that some of our compositional measures capture contextual characteristics of the built and social environment. After adjusting for individual variables, trust and social cohesion, two key social capital components were the only factors to show statistically significant associations with GHQ-12 scores. However, these factors also showed little variation at postcode levels, suggesting a stronger individual determination. We conclude that our results provide some evidence in support of an association between mental health (GHQ-12 scores) and perceptions of social capital, but less support for the contextual nature of social capital.

Adult↗

The association of smoking with perception of income inequality, relative material well-being, and social capital.

The aim of this study is to examine the association of smoking status with income inequality, relative deprivation, perception of relative material well-being and community-level social capital, controlling for individual-level indicators of social capital, and common socio-economic variables. Data were from telephone interviews of approximately 126 residents selected at random (using the Electronic White Pages) from each of 22 local government areas (LGAs) in the Melbourne metropolitan region, Victoria, Australia (total n = 2762). We used logistic regression to assess the association of covariates with smoking status. Being a smoker was associated with a higher level of perceived income inequality, lower perception of relative material well-being and living in a community with a lower degree of trust and safety. While the cross-sectional design of the study does not allow causal inferences, the results imply that smoking is less prevalent in communities that are more egalitarian and have a higher stock of social capital.

Adolescent↗

Human and social capital as facilitators of lifelong learning in nursing.

To ensure that lifelong learning is, and remains, a reality as a vehicle for facilitating continuing professional learning in nursing, certain mechanisms need to be instituted specifically for this purpose. Some of the key organisational facilitators for achieving this include individual performance reviews, Workforce Development Confederations, professional self-regulation, and Investors in People awards. In a study exploring nurses' perceptions of lifelong learning, it emerged that in addition to the organisational mechanisms that are necessary to achieve this aspiration, there are also various non-organisational or informal factors at work that enable nurses to initiate and continue professional learning. It seems that substantial informal teaching, learning and facilitation of learning occur through work-based contacts with other healthcare professionals, and this is complemented by support from non-healthcare related other significant individuals. These factors seem to constitute the notion of human and social capital (HSC), which is a concept that has been implicated as a significant instigator or enabler of professional learning. This paper examines these non-organisational factors, clarifies the meanings and roles of human capital and social capital in healthcare, and discusses their implications for lifelong learning in nursing. The analysis is supported by findings from a qualitative study, which comprised of 27 semi-structured individual interviews and two focus groups with RNs on D grade and above.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗

Individual and neighbourhood determinants of social participation and social capital: a multilevel analysis of the city of Malmö, Sweden.

The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of neighbourhood on individual social capital (measured as social participation). The study population consisted of 14,390 individuals aged 45-73 that participated in the Malmö diet and cancer study in 1992-1994, residing in 90 neighbourhoods of Malmö, Sweden (population 250,000). A multilevel logistic regression model, with individuals at the first level and neighbourhoods at the second level, was performed. The study analysed the effect (intra-area correlation and cross-level modification) of the neighbourhood on individual social capital after adjustment for compositional factors (e.g. age, sex, educational level, occupational status, disability pension, living alone, sick leave, unemployment) and, finally, one contextual migration factor. The prevalence of low social participation varied from 23.0% to 39.7% in the first and third neighbourhood quartiles, respectively. Neighbourhood factors accounted for 6.3% of the total variance in social participation, and this effect was reduced but not eliminated when adjusting for all studied variables (-73%), especially the occupational composition of the neighbourhoods (-58%). The contextual migration variable further reduced the variance in social participation at the neighbourhood level to some extent. Our study supports Putnam's notion that social capital, which is suggested to be an important factor for population health and possibly for health equity, is an aspect that is partly contextual in its nature.

Aged↗

Social capital and sense of insecurity in the neighbourhood: a population-based multilevel analysis in Malmö, Sweden.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of social capital on self-reported sense of insecurity in the neighbourhood. The public health survey in Malmö, Sweden in 1994 was a cross-sectional study. A total of 5600 individuals aged 20-80 years were asked to answer a postal questionnaire. The participation rate was 71%. A multilevel logistic regression model, with individuals at the first level and neighbourhoods at the second, was performed. We analysed the effect (intra-area correlation, cross-level modification and odds ratios) of individual (social participation) and neighbourhood social capital (electoral participation in the 1994 municipal election) on sense of insecurity after adjustment for compositional factors. Neighbourhood factors accounted for 7.2% of the total variance in individual insecurity. This effect was marginally reduced when the individual factors were included in the model. In contrast, it was reduced by 70% by the introduction of the contextual variable. This study suggests that social capital, measured as electoral participation, may partly explain the individual's sense of insecurity in the neighbourhood.

Adult↗

Inequalities in nonfatal work injury: the significance of race, human capital, and occupations.

Little research is conducted to examine the determinants of nonfatal injury on the job. In particular, this study stresses the importance of race, human capital, and occupational conditions in explaining nonfatal injury at work. It measures nonfatal work injury as an episode of work injury, using the data from the 1988 Occupational Health Supplement (1988 OHS) to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). First, this study confirms no association between race and nonfatal injury at work. Second, the findings show that human capital, expressed through education and work experience, is the crucial determinant of nonfatal injury at work. In general, workers of more years of schooling and more work experience encounter less nonfatal injury at work than their counterparts. Third, the results also demonstrate the significance of occupational conditions (occupational positions and work activity) for nonfatal injury at work. Specifically, workers in professional occupations experience less work injury than workers in production occupations, but more work injury than workers engaged in clerical jobs. Even after controlling for occupational positions, there is a significant correlation between work activity and nonfatal work injury. Our study is a first step towards the causation of nonfatal injury on the job in terms of race, human capital, and occupational conditions. Therefore, the next step of work injury study needs to consider the influence of the other important determinants on nonfatal injury at work.

Accidents, Occupational↗

[Scapho-capitate fracture. Apropos of a case, review of the literature].

Scapho-capitate fracture is a rare lesion. Its mechanism is controversial. Forced extension seems to be the most frequent etiology, as this movement of the wrist induces scaphoid fracture by compression. Hyperextension of the wrist, as a result of the scaphoid lesion, allows contact between the posterior margin of the radius and the neck of the capitatum, inducing capitatum fracture. Continuation of the movement allows a two-stroke rotation of the capitate proximal pole. Analysis of a personal case and review of the literature demonstrated: the frequency of extension movement for etiology, delayed diagnosis, and the need for surgery. Surgery should be performed early with capitate reduction and osteosynthesis in case of instability, scaphoid reduction and minimal osteosynthesis a graft may be necessary. Immobilisation of the carpus and the thumb is essential until bone consolidation. Early surgery should avoid complications such as necrosis or pseudarthrosis.

Adult↗

Firearm prevalence and social capital.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown a correlation between measures of social capital and morbidity, mortality, and violent crime. This article examines the association across U.S. states between social capital (as measured by mutual trust and civic engagement) and firearm availability. METHODS: The analysis uses OLS to determine degrees of association across U.S. states. Measures of mutual trust come from responses to questions on the U.S. General Social Survey that "you can't be too careful in dealing with people," and most people "would try to take advantage of you." Measures of formal civic engagement come from responses to Lifestyle Survey questions concerning times volunteered, club meetings attended, community projects worked on, and church services attended. Informal civic engagement measures come from responses to number of times bowled, played cards, entertained at home, and gave or attended dinner parties, and number of greeting cards sent. The Lifestyle Survey also asked whether respondent believed whether "most people are honest." The percentage of suicides from firearms, and the average percentage of suicides and homicides from firearms, are used as proxies for state firearm ownership rates. Control variables are the degree of urbanization, the rates of poverty, and the percentage of nonwhites in the state. RESULTS: Across the U.S. states, higher levels of firearm ownership are associated with significantly lower levels of mutual trust and civic engagement. CONCLUSION: While the analysis cannot show causation, states with heavily armed civilians are also states with low levels of social capital.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

Teen births, income inequality, and social capital: developing an understanding of the causal pathway.

Many studies have demonstrated a relationship between income inequality and poor health, but how does income inequality impact health? One possible explanation is that greater income inequality undermines social capital (social cohesion, civic engagement, and mutual trust in a community). We conducted path analyses of the relationship between income inequality, poverty, and teen birth rate, testing for the mediating effect of social capital in 39 US states. Birth rate was affected by both poverty and income inequality, though income inequality appeared to affect teen birth rate primarily through its impact on social capital.

Adolescent↗

Between economics and ecology: some historical and philosophical considerations for modelers of natural capital.

Natural capital models attempt to remediate the relationship between economics and ecology either by conjoining models and theories from each discipline or by finding a type of phenomena that can be meaningfully measured by both fields. The development of a widely accepted model that integrates economics and ecology has eluded researchers since the early 1970s. This paper offers an historical and philosophical perspective on some of the conceptual problems or obstacles that hinder the development of natural capital models. In particular, the disciplinary assumptions of economic science and ecological science are examined and it is argued that these assumptions are antithetical. Hence, the development of an effective and accepted natural capital model will require that economics and ecology reconsider their self-conceptions as sciences. For the purposes of theoretical research and practical policy, the paper cautions against confusing the issue of whether or not economic models accord with ecological models with the issue of whether or not economic activities accord with ecological realities.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

Isolated fractures of the capitate: use of nuclear medicine as an aid to diagnosis.

Fractures of the capitate are considered to be uncommon injuries of the wrist, however, delay in diagnosis may result in prolonged disability and avascular necrosis. Two cases are reported in which an isolated fracture of the capitate was diagnosed with a 99mTc-MDP nuclear medicine bone scan and confirmed with CT scan or repeated conventional x-rays. These two cases illustrate that an isolated fracture of the capitate should be considered in an individual presenting with persistent wrist pain of traumatic origin, even when conventional x-ray views are negative. The nuclear medicine bone scan can be a useful investigative tool and serve to guide further radiological investigations.

Adult↗

Breast cancer incidence and mortality in the Nordic capitals, 1970-1998. Trends related to mammography screening programmes.

The aim of the present study was to relate the time trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality to the introduction of mammography screening in the Nordic capitals. Helsinki offered screening to women aged 50-59 starting in 1986. The other three capitals offered screening to women aged 50-69 starting in 1989 in Stockholm, 1991 in Copenhagen, and 1996 in Oslo. Prevalence peaks in breast cancer incidence depended on the age groups covered by the screening, the length of the implementation of screening, and the extent of background opportunistic screening. No mortality reduction following the introduction of screening was visible after seven to 12 years of screening in any of the three capitals where significant effects of the screening on the breast cancer mortality had already been demonstrated by using other analytical methods for the evaluation. No visible effect on mortality reduction was expected in Oslo due to too short an observation period. The study showed that the population-based breast cancer mortality trend is too crude a measure to detect the effect of screening on breast cancer mortality during the first years after the start of a programme.

Age Factors↗

Is social capital a useful conceptual tool for exploring community level influences on HIV infection? An exploratory case study from South Africa.

This paper reports on an exploratory study investigating links between sexual health and social capital in a South African mining community. In this study, social capital is defined in terms of people's membership of voluntary community organizations (e.g. church, residents' associations, youth groups). Using biomedical and social survey data from a stratified random sample of 1,211 Carletonville residents, we tested the hypothesis that organizational members were less likely to have HIV. Multivariate analysis of variance sought to identify significant associations between nine organizational memberships and HIV infection, as well as three risk factors for infection (casual partners, condom use with casual partners and alcohol consumption). Analysis yielded a range of significant results, but findings varied across age and gender, and were not all in the hypothesized direction. For example, young men and young women who belonged to sports clubs were less likely to be HIV-positive, and young women who belonged to sports clubs were more likely to use condoms with casual partners than non-members. Amongst members of stokvels (voluntary savings clubs accompanied by social festivities), however, young men were more likely to be HIV-positive, women of all ages were more likely to have a casual partner, and both young men and young women were more likely to drink alcohol than non-members. While our exploratory study has produced sufficient evidence to justify the need for further research in this area, it also highlights that the interface between HIV infection and social capital is a complex area that defies easy generalization.

Adolescent↗

Social participation, social capital and daily tobacco smoking: a population-based multilevel analysis in Malmö, Sweden.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of contextual and individual factors on daily tobacco smoking. METHODS: The public-health survey in Malmö 1994 is a cross-sectional study. A total of 5600 individuals aged 20-80 years were invited to answer a postal questionnaire. The participation rate was 71%. A multilevel logistic regression model, with individuals at the first level and neighbourhoods at the second, was performed. We analysed the effect (intra-area correlation, cross-level modification and odds ratios) of individual and neighbourhood factors on smoking after adjustment for individual factors. RESULTS: Neighbourhood factors accounted for 2.5% of the crude total variance in daily tobacco smoking. This effect was significantly reduced when the individual factors such as education were included in the model. However, individual social capital, measured by social participation, only marginally affected the total neighbourhood variance in daily tobacco smoking. In fact, no significant variance in daily tobacco smoking remained after the introduction of the individual factors other than individual social capital in the model. CONCLUSION: In Malmö, the neighbourhood variance in daily tobacco smoking is mainly affected by individual factors other than individual social capital, especially socioeconomic status measured as level of education.

Adult↗

Social context and "natural recovery": the role of social capital in the resolution of drug-associated problems.

This paper explores the social context of "natural recovery" from problems associated with the misuse of intoxicants. Using data collected from in-depth interviews with 46 former alcohol- and drug-dependent persons, this paper examines how the social capital that these respondents had accumulated prior to their addiction and maintained during it aided in their recovery without treatment. We specifically explore how the relations within their lives and the actual and virtual resources available to subjects through their social capital aided in our respondents' "natural recovery" from drug-use related problems. We conclude with a discussion of the implications an analysis of social capital has for the treatment of drug-associated problems as well as for drug policy.

Adult↗

Social capital, the miniaturization of community and high alcohol consumption: a population-based study.

AIMS: To study the impact of social participation, trust, and the miniaturization of community, i.e. high social participation/low trust, on the risk of high alcohol consumption. METHODS: The Scania 2000 public health survey is a cross-sectional, postal questionnaire study. A total of 13 604 persons aged 18-80 years were included. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between the social capital variables and high alcohol consumption (168.0 g/week or more for men and 108.0 g/week or more for women). The multivariate analyses analysed the importance of confounders (age, country of origin, education, and economic stress) on the risk of high alcohol consumption according to the social capital variables. RESULTS: A 14.0% proportion of all men and 7.8% of all women had an alcohol consumption above recommended levels. High alcohol consumption above recommended levels was not associated with social participation but negatively associated with trust among men. The miniaturization of community category, i.e. high social participation/low trust, had significantly higher risks of high alcohol consumption compared to the high social capital (high social participation/high trust) category among men. CONCLUSION: High social participation combined with low trust, i.e. the miniaturization of community, is positively associated high alcohol consumption among men. A structural/social factor which may affect the amount of alcohol consumed has thus been identified in this study.

Adolescent↗