Personal Social Capital Scale: an instrument for health and behavioral research

Social capital and healthy eating among two ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province, Southwest China: the mediating role of social support and nutrition knowledge

Background

Although social capital has been linked to dietary intake particularly in disadvantaged populations, little is known about the mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate whether social support (SS) and nutrition knowledge (NK) mediate the association between social capital and healthy eating habits.

Methods

A probability sample of two ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province, Southwest China were included (n = 1,033, mean age 47.5 ± 14.7 years). Bonding and bridging social capital (BOC and BRC) were assessed with the Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS-16). Dietary data were evaluated with the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI), a measure of diet quality which reflects adherence to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines. NK and SS were measured with a validated questionnaire and scale, respectively. Structural Equation Modeling was used to calculate the direct, indirect and total effects of social capital on CHEI scores.

Results

The mean score of CHEI was 57.4 ± 9.8, which was significantly lower in men and older people. Low adherence to dietary guidelines were to observed in the consumption of dairy, beans, nuts, animal-source food vegetables and fruits. BOC and BRC were positively associated with CHEI score (β = 0.37 and 0.38, all p < 0.05). Social support and nutrition knowledge mediated 45.9 and 39.5% of the total effect of social capital on CHEI score, respectively.

Conclusion

Social capital appears to enhance adherence to dietary guidelines by improving nutrition knowledge and social support. Nutrition promotion programs therefore should consider incorporating strategies that foster social capital development, particularly in disadvantaged populations.

The development of social capital in a peer-led mHealth cognitive behavioral antiretroviral therapy adherence intervention for HIV + adolescents and young adults

Adherence Connection for Counseling, Education, and Support (ACCESS)-I is a peer-led mHealth antiretroviral therapy adherence intervention for adolescents and young adults living with HIV who are in treatment but have detectable viral loads. Participants received five online sessions with peer health coaches who followed a structured intervention manual. Peers maintained intervention fidelity but also engaged in casual discussion that was not directly related to ART adherence or HIV. We conducted a qualitative analysis of the casual interactions that occurred during the ACCESS I intervention. Sessions were transcribed and coded, and these casual interactions were then coded into 10 subcodes to document their content, and also coded for three types of social capital - emotional, informational, and instrumental. Emotional and Informational social capital codes were the most common, while instrumental codes were rare. Activities was the most common topic overall, while encouragement was more common in emotional social capital narratives and personal experience was more common in informational social capital narratives. These casual interactions may strengthen peer-participant relationships, building social capital that could then be used to encourage positive behavior change. Although social capital was not directly measured, these analyses illustrate the value of attending to seemingly casual interactions in peer-led interventions.

iTHRIVE 365: A Community-Led, Multicomponent Health Promotion Intervention for Black Same Gender Loving Men

Although health inequities among Black same gender loving men (SGLM) are well documented (e.g., chronic psychological disorders, HIV, suicide), there are few accessible, culturally affirming, and community-led interventions designed to reduce these inequities. The present manuscript describes the process through which we developed iTHRIVE 365, a multicomponent health-promotion intervention designed by Black SGLM for Black SGLM. We utilized a community-based participatory research approach (CBPR) that included collaboration between THRIVE SS, a Black SGLM-run community-based organization, and a multisectoral team of public health, research, and digital design professionals to develop the intervention. A five-phase development process included four phases of focus groups and a technical pilot to assess community priorities and incorporate input on each feature of the intervention. Directed content analysis indicated that participants wanted a multicomponent and technology-mediated intervention that promotes health knowledge and motivation, Black SGLM social support, access to affirming healthcare, and housing and economic resources. iTHRIVE 365 combines multilevel and culturally affirming intervention features to combat the effects of oppression and ultimately promote Black SGLM's biopsychosocial health.

The Effects of the COVID-19-induced Lockdown on the Social Capital and Cultural Capital in Italy

The present study investigated the effects of the first COVID-19 lockdown on the Cultural and Social Capitals in Italy in a large group of adults (n = 1125). The relationships between the COVID-19 spread and participants' Cultural Capital, Social Capital, educational level, occupational prestige, and age were studied using structural equation models. For women but not for men, pandemic spread was positively affected by occupational prestige and it had a positive relationship with their Social Capital (women: CFI = 0.949; RMSEA = 0.059 [CI = 0.045-0.075]; men: CFI = 0.959; RMSEA = 0.064 [CI = 0.039-0.087]). Moreover, the participants were divided into three validated clusters based on their Cultural and Social Capitals levels to investigate changes in the Capitals compared with the pre-lockdown period. It was found that the lockdown contributed to improving the gap among individuals increasing high levels and decreasing low levels of both the Capitals. People with high Cultural and Social Capitals seemed to have seized the opportunity given by COVID-19 restrictions to cultivate their cultural interests and become more involved within their networks. In contrast, individuals with low Cultural and Social Capitals paid the highest price for the social isolation. Given that the Capitals encourage healthy behavior and influence well-being and mental health, institutions should develop or improve their policies and practices to foster individual resources, and make fairer opportunities available during the pandemic.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11205-023-03140-7.

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Living with Chronic Low Back Pain in Ethiopia

Background

People with chronic low back pain experience myriads of problems from living with their condition. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of people with chronic low back pain in Ethiopia.

Design

This is a qualitative semi-structured study design which used an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach for data analysis.

Participants

Fifteen adults (10 women and 5 men) with chronic low back pain (duration ≥ 3 months) with age ranging from 19 to 66 years old were interviewed.

Setting

Participants were recruited from the outpatient departments of the University of Gondar hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia.

Methods

Data was collected through an in-depth semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed through an iterative process, beginning with a line-by-line coding to identify the lived experience of chronic low back pain.

Findings

Five main themes related to the lived experience of people with chronic low back pain emerged: 1) CLBP impacts life on a day-to-day basis, 2) The invisibility of pain results in misunderstanding, misjudgment, and loneliness, 3) The cause of pain is a mystery, 4) The search for the cure is a quest, 5) Each person has their ways of managing, coping, and living with pain.

Conclusion

The findings from this study improve our understanding of the experience of people with chronic low back pain and its impact on their day-to-day life in Ethiopia. The findings from this study could inform the development of culturally centered chronic low back pain interventions such as self-management programs in the Ethiopian context.

The association between personal social capital and health-related quality of life among Chinese older people: A cross-sectional study

Background

Lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can result in adverse effects on the health of older people. This study aims to explore the relationship between personal social capital (PSC) and HRQoL among Chinese elderly people from rural-and-urban perspective.

Materials and methods

4,802 samples were included from China's health-related quality of life Survey for Older Adults 2018 (CHRQLS-OA 2018). The PSC, including bonding and bridging social capital (BOC and BRC), was measured by the Chinese version of the Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS-16). The HRQoL was evaluated by the European Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Linear and Tobit regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between PSC and HRQoL.

Results

The BOC and BRC of rural older people were significantly lower than those of urban older people. Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the most significant health problems affecting the older samples. In the five dimensions, the proportion of rural older people with problems was higher than that of urban older people. Among rural older people, BOC was significantly related to self-rated health and EQ-5D utility index (p < 0.05); while BRC was insignificantly associated with self-rated health (p > 0.05) but related to EQ-5D utility index (p < 0.05). Both BOC and BRC were significantly correlated with self-rated health and EQ-5D utility index (p < 0.05) among urban older people.

Conclusion

Our study reveals older people's worrying PSC and HRQoL status. The relationship between PSC and HRQoL suggested that more social support and care of intimates should be encouraged to increase the PSC of older people, especially rural older people.

Social Capital Promotes a Healthier Diet among Young Adults by Reducing Psychological Distress

Studies have revealed the links between social capital and diet. However, the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship has been understudied. This study aims to identify direct and indirect relationships between social capital and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Lithuanian young adults and identify the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship. Data were collected from 1336 young adults, aged 18-36 years; 40.5% were males. MEDAS was used to measure adherence to a healthy diet. Social capital was measured by eight separate items in terms of family support, social support, social cohesion, social trust, communication, collaboration, participation, and distant communication. Kessler's six-item scale was used to assess psychological distress. Higher family support (β = 0.105), higher social participation (β = 0.294), and lower psychological distress (β = 0.073) directly predicted higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Social capital was indirectly related to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with standardized effect sizes of 0.02-0.04, indicating small effect sizes. Thus, psychological distress mediates the relationship between social capital and a healthy diet. Given that social capital is related to psychological health and both directly and indirectly predicts healthy behavior in young adults, further longitudinal and experimental research is required to measure the effects of the intervention on incorporating, facilitating, encouraging, and implementing measures to strengthen the social connection between people and groups of people within the community, neighborhood, and organizations.

Feasibility and acceptability of B6: a social capital program for young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with HIV

Young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately burdened by HIV and often exhibit suboptimal engagement in HIV care. With the goal of increasing engagement in HIV care, we designed a culturally specific, theory-based group-level program, Brothers Building Brothers by Breaking Barriers (B6), which aimed to strengthen resilience and social capital among YB-GBMSM living with HIV. We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the program's acceptability and feasibility. Through clinic-based recruitment and community outreach events, we recruited and enrolled 71 YB-GBMSM into the study. Participants were randomized to either the B6 program or a control comparison program. Post-session evaluation surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews showed B6 to have high levels of acceptability and satisfaction. Specifically, participants described benefits to interacting in a group with other YB-GBMSM, and several described increased comfort with their own gay identities after participation. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported. However, there were challenges to feasibility, as reflected in recruitment and retention rates. The B6 program was highly acceptable among YB-GBMSM living with HIV; however, innovative program delivery methods and implementation strategies will be needed to improve recruitment and retention in future implementation of B6.

Serial Mediation Model of Social Capital Effects over Academic Stress in University Students

Background: Although several studies have shown that social capital and social support decreases academic stress (AS), there has been lack of atheoretical model to explain how this occurs. This study aims to verify a model that explains the effect of bonding social capital (BSC) over academic stress psychological symptoms (PsyS), considering the multiple sequential mediation of socio-emotional support (SES), self-efficacy (sEffic) and self-esteem (sEstee). Methods: In a transversal study, 150 undergraduate volunteer students were recruited using non-probabilistic purposive sampling. Data were collected using psychological questionnaires and were processed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: Goodness of fit of the models (SRMR = 0.056, 0.057, <HI95) (dULS, dG < HI95), reliability and validity are adequate. The indirect effect of BSC over PsyS (β = −0.196; IC 95% [−0.297, −0.098]) is relevant and significant and is serial mediated by SES and sEffic. Conclusions: From a very precise conceptual definition, a model is generated, within which empirical evidence explains the relationship between BSC and PsyS, emphasizing the role of BSC in the development of personal resources to cope with AS. This can be applied to policies and public health programs that affect these variables.

Effects of Internet Adoption on Health and Subjective Well-Being of the Internal Migrants in China

During the past decades, the number of rural-urban migrants has dramatically increased in China. Their well-being is important for social development and has attracted the attention of researchers. This paper adopts five waves of repeated cross-sectional datasets within a nine-year span, included in the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS 2010-2018), to evaluate the impacts and mechanisms of internet adoption on the health status and subjective well-being of rural-urban migrants. Empirical results suggest that there are significant positive correlations between internet adoption and health status as well as subjective well-being. The results of structural equation modeling suggest that the impact of the internet on well-being occurs through increasing, bridging, and bonding social capital for rural-urban migrants. The mediating impact of bonding social capital on subjective well-being is more prominent, while the mediating impact of bridging social capital on health is stronger. Furthermore, we have explored the heterogeneous effects across gender and education. This is an early study which investigates such an important topic in the context of the digital era.

Understanding social capital among young black gay and bisexual men living with HIV: a qualitative exploration

Social capital, defined as the sum of an individual's resource-containing, reciprocal and trustworthy social network connections, has been associated with improved engagement in care among people living with HIV globally. We conducted a qualitative interview study of social capital among 28 young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men ages 18-29 living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia. We asked participants about bonding capital (relationships between individuals with similar demographic characteristics), bridging capital (relationships with individuals of different backgrounds), collective efficacy (involvement with community organisations) and satisfaction with their social networks. We found that participants described bonding capital from friends and family in depth, while more gaps were noted in bridging capital and collective efficacy. Bonding capital derived from families was especially critical to participants' satisfaction with their social capital. Findings suggest that interventions targeting young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men should build upon strong bonds with family and friends, and/or fill gaps in bridging capital and collective efficacy by connecting young men to mentors and organisations.

Evaluating the Effects of Social Capital, Self-Stigma, and Social Identity in Predicting Behavioral Intentions of Agricultural Producers to Seek Mental Health Assistance

Mental illness significantly impacts agricultural producers, whose occupation puts them at increased risk for compromised mental health and related disorders. Help-seeking intention, which can be mediated by variables such as social identity, social capital, and self-stigma, can lead to improved mental health outcomes. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the intention of agricultural producers to seek mental health assistance and determine whether these three variables are associated with help-seeking intention. Researchers administered a cross-sectional survey of agricultural producers from two regions in 32 Texas counties. Researchers surveyed a sample of Texas agricultural producers (n = 429) to understand their social identity, social capital, and degree of self-stigma, and their intent to seek help for personal or emotional problems and for suicide ideation. Researchers identified a relationship between social identity and social capital, which indicated that social identity is moderately associated with greater levels of social capital. The multiple linear regression analyses confirmed that social capital and self-stigma are significant predictors of producers' help-seeking intention for both help-seeking types. These results signify the importance of efforts to increase social capital, increase mental health literacy and tailor training to address self-stigma and enhance positive help-seeking behavior among agricultural producers.

Adaptation of the personal social capital brief scale for the measurement of the offline and online social capital in Italy

Social Capital refers to the resources associated with durable and trustworthy social connections. Social Capital can be developed through offline and online relationships. It can be distinguished between cognitive Social Capital (perception of trustworthiness, reciprocity, and support) and structural Social Capital (density of social networks and membership, and participation in groups and associations). It can also be distinguished between bonding Social Capital (resources associated with informal networks; i.e., neighbors, friends, colleagues) and bridging Social Capital (resources associated with formal networks; i.e., community service, cultural, religious or political groups/associations). The different forms and dimensions of Social Capital may have distinct effects on health outcomes and self-rated health. Therefore, public health researchers need valid and reliable instruments to investigate Social Capital. However, valid instruments including the measurement of online Social Capital are not available. The Personal Social Capital Scale aims to assess bonding and bridging Social Capital by means of cognitive and structural items. In the present investigation, three studies were carried out (N = 1149) to adapt the Personal Social Capital Scale to develop the Personal On-Offline Social Capital Brief Scale, a brief scale for measuring online and offline bonding and bridging Social Capital in Italy. Factorial structure and convergent/divergent validity in relation to scales measuring constructs with different patterns of relationships with bonding and bridging Social Capital (i.e., social support and stress; sense of community and health) were also investigated. Overall, these studies provide evidence of reliability and validity related to the internal structure of the Personal On-Offline Social Capital Brief Scale in measuring online and offline bonding and bridging Social Capital and discriminating them from similar constructs. This scale is a useful instrument for planning public health interventions.

Self-Efficacy Mechanism in Farm Tourism Microentrepreneurship

Tourism microentrepreneurship is an important farm diversification strategy, also contributing to the competitiveness of the destination. However, psychological and structural constraints seem to hold back farmers when it comes to starting or expanding tourism operations. We argue that social capital derived from farmers' social networks affords sources of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which boosts entrepreneurial intention. Analysis of survey data from 207 farmers in North Carolina revealed an adequate SEM model fit and strong significant relationships between bridging social capital and tourism microentrepreneurial self-efficacy. Internal self-efficacy factors were strongly and significantly associated with entrepreneurial intention. Triangulation with qualitative data from participatory-action research reinforced the importance of informal networking processes to model entrepreneurial behavior that boosts self-efficacy and reaffirms microentrepreneurial intentions. However, external self-efficacy was not significantly associated with farmers' entrepreneurial intentions, which may be attributable to ambiguous agritourism policy.

Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of the Impact of Social Capital on Entrepreneurial Orientation: A Case of Dayak Ethnic Entrepreneurship

Amid global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurship is more important than ever before, believed to be a key driver of economic development and recovery as well as poverty alleviation. However, although research on entrepreneurial benefits is becoming well-established, our understanding of the effects of specific social processes on entrepreneurial orientation is fairly limited. The research gap is even larger in an ethnic entrepreneurship setting. This study, therefore, aims to understand the impact of social capital on entrepreneurial orientation through self-efficacy in Dayak, the indigenous ethnic, non-Malay people of Borneo. Utilizing a survey, we found that social capital is positively related to entrepreneurial orientation, and self-efficacy was found to mediate this relationship. Kinship or regional ties among Dayak group members foster social capital in the form of trust, solidarity, and reciprocal obligations. However, although Dayaks are willing to learn and participate in economic activities, including becoming entrepreneurs, they are unlikely to take initiative due to both financial and non-financial obstacles. For these reasons, we suggest an institutional economic approach, designing a specific educational program to help improve the Dayak’s self-efficacy in escalating their entrepreneurship commitment. Local universities and vocational schools can develop an effective curriculum to tap the potential of Dayak in business and entrepreneurship.

Family Support and Social Support Associated with National Essential Public Health Services Utilization among Older Migrants in China: A Gender Perspective

China provides National Essential Public Health Services (NEPHS) free of charge to all citizens to ensure access to essential health services. The present study aimed to explore the associations between different sources of support and NEPHS service utilization among older migrants in China with a gender perspective. We used a national cross-sectional dataset derived from the 2015 China Migrants Dynamic Survey. Participants were included if they were aged ≥60 years and without household registration at the residence. Among 1989 participants, 35.2% enrolled in a free physical examination in the past year: 34.6% for males and 35.9% for females. Among male participants, having more local friends (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.99) and having insurance at the residence (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.96) were associated with enrolment in a free physical examination after controlling for age, education, and self-reported health status. Two additional factors, marital status and family structure, were found for female participants to be associated with enrolment in a free physical examination. NEPHS service utilization was far from satisfactory among older migrants in China, and both family support and social support played a role in it. There are common and unique factors associated with NEPHS service utilization in terms of gender.

Relationship Among Social Capital, Employment Uncertainty, Anxiety, and Suicidal Behaviors: A Chained Multi-mediator Mediation Modeling Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Social capital is a significant predictor of suicidal behaviors among Chinese rural migrants. However, the mechanism, including the impact of employment and mental health, has not been fully understood. This study aims to examine the complex relationships linking social capital to suicidal behaviors.

METHOD

Data were collected from a probability sample (n = 1,245) of rural migrants in Wuhan, China. Social capital was used to predict suicidal behaviors, with employment uncertainty as step 1 mediator and anxiety as step 2 mediator. Suicidal ideation and attempt were analyzed separately using a chained moderated mediation model. Years of migration was included as moderator in all models to control its confounding effect.

RESULTS

Of the total sample, 50.9% were male with mean age of 32.0 (SD = 7.8) years. The association between social capital and suicidal ideation was significantly mediated by employment uncertainty (indirect effect [95% CI] = -0.14 [-0.24, -0.04]), but not for suicidal attempt (-0.02 [-0.20, 0.15]). Anxiety significantly mediated the same association for both suicidal ideation (-0.19 [-0.37, -0.01]) and attempt (-0.20 [-0.40, -0.01]). The chained relationship from social capital to employment uncertainty, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors was also significant with indirect effect of -0.05 [-0.09, -0.01] for both suicidal ideation and attempt. Similar results were observed for bonding and bridging capital.

CONCLUSIONS

Social capital may exert an effect on suicidal behaviors through employment and mental health among rural migrants in China. Social capital-based suicide prevention must consider both employment and mental health problems to obtain better effects.HighlightsEmployment and anxiety mediate social capital-suicidal behavior relation.Bonding capital affects anxiety and bridging capital affects employment.There is a chained relation among social capital, employment, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors.

Can servant leadership prevent hotel employee depression during the COVID-19 pandemic? A mediating and multigroup analysis

The hospitality industry has been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes that have harmed employees' psychological well-being. However, having supervisors who are servant may make a difference. With a focus on serving others and the care taken to ensure their employees' highest priority needs are served, these leaders could help employees feel less depressed in these complicated times. By instilling servant behaviors in followers that help them become people that others can trust or with whom they can develop friendships, leaders could help these employees earn greater levels of personal social capital (PSC) through which to more successfully address pandemic times, especially if furloughed. Using structural equation modeling to analyze a sample of 205 hotel employees in Spain, we found that servant leadership directly decreases depression, and that PSC mediates this relationship. Our multigroup analyses (MGA) findings also reveal that when these employees are furloughed, the negative effect of PSC and the mediating role of PSC in this relationship is stronger. New light is thus shed on how servant leadership is effective in reducing employee depressive symptoms in times of severe changes such as those produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intolerance of Uncertainty and Tendency to Worry as Mediators Between Trust in Institutions and Social Support and Fear of Coronavirus and Consequences of the Pandemic

The aim of this article is to formulate and test a model integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) findings regarding the importance of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and tendency to worry with findings regarding the importance of trust in institutions, other people, and social support. We assumed that trust in institutions, other people, and social support reduce fear of the coronavirus and of the consequences of the pandemic in a direct way, but also indirectly by enhancing one’s sense of control and diminishing the tendency to worry which, further, attenuates fear of the coronavirus and fear of the consequences of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among the Serbian general population (N = 1409, 78.1% female, M = 38.82, SD = 9.24) at the end of April 2020, which included questionnaires on fear of SARS-CoV-2, fear of consequences of the pandemic, social support, trust in other people and trust in political and health institutions. The model has been validated by data from our study suggesting that it represents one possible pattern of interrelationships between social and intrapsychic variables in the pandemic situation. Results also showed that the COVID-19 related fears are related more strongly to intrapsychic variables – IU and tendency to worry – than to variables operationalizing social context relevant for coping with pandemic at the social and individual level.

Behavioral and emotional problems of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: Effects of parents' sociocultural level and individual factors

BACKGROUND

Toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show higher prevalence and severity of Behavioral and Emotional Problems (BEP) than their peers without ASD.

AIMS

Investigating the effects of parental factors, i.e., mothers' and fathers' age and Sociocultural Level (Socioeconomic Status, Cultural Capital, and Social Capital), and individual factors, i.e., toddles' age, birth order, general development, autism symptom severity, and adaptive behavior, on the expression of BEP in toddlers with ASD.

METHODS

Participants were 148 toddlers with ASD (aged 18-37 months) and both their parents. BEP were measured with the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 (CBCL) Syndrome and Pervasive developmental problems (PDD) DSM-oriented scales, general development with the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS), autism symptom severity with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), and adaptive behavior with the Vineland-II Adaptive behavior composite.

RESULTS

Vineland-IIAdaptive behavior composite was negatively associated with the majority of the CBCL scales. In contrast, the ADOS-2 Restrictive and repetitive behavior was negatively and the ADOS-2 Social affect, toddlers' age, and birth order were positively associated with only a few of the CBCL scales (e.g., PDD). GMDS scores were not associated with any CBCL scales. Mothers' age and fathers' Cultural Capital and Social Capital dimensions were negatively associated with specific CBCL scales, even when considered in addition to individuals' factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual and parental factors simultaneously affect the expression of BEP and should be considered for clinical decisions.

Association between sexual orientation acceptance and suicidal ideation, substance use, and internalised homophobia amongst the pink carpet Y cohort study of young gay, bisexual, and queer men in Singapore

Background

Gay, bisexual and queer (GBQ) men are frequently subjected to minority stressors that have negative impacts on their health. Milestones that include the acceptance and disclosure of sexual identity amongst GBQ men are hence key instruments in understanding the prevalence of internalised homophobia and predicting health outcomes. As such, this work takes a novel approach to deduce the correlates of delayed acceptance of sexual orientation in young GBQ men as a measure of internalised homophobia through retrospective self-reporting and age-based analysis.

Methods

Participants were recruited as part of a cohort study exploring the syndemic risks associated with HIV acquisition among young GBQ men in Singapore. We examined their levels of internalised, perceived, experienced homophobia, as well as their health behaviours and suicidal tendencies. Two separate variables were also self-reported by the participants – the age of questioning of sexual orientation and the age of acceptance of sexual orientation. We subsequently recoded a new variable, delayed acceptance of sexual orientation, by taking the difference between these two variables, regressing it as an independent and dependent variable to deduce its psychosocial correlates, as well as its association with other measured instruments of health.

Results

As a dependent variable, delayed acceptance of sexual orientation is positively associated with an increase of age and internalised homophobia, while being negatively associated with reporting as being gay, compared to being bisexual or queer. As an independent variable, delayed acceptance of sexual orientation was associated with a delayed age of coming out to siblings and parents, suicide ideation, historical use of substances including smoking tobacco cigarettes and consuming marijuana, as well as reporting higher levels of experienced, internalised and perceived homophobia.

Conclusion

Greater levels of early intervention and efforts are required to reduce the heightened experience of minority stress resulting from communal and institutional hostilities. Areas of improvement may include community-based counselling and psychological support for GBQ men, while not forsaking greater education of the social and healthcare sectors. Most importantly, disrupting the stigma narrative of a GBQ ‘lifestyle’ is paramount in establishing an accepting social environment that reduces the health disparity faced by GBQ men.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10992-6.

The Interactive Effect of Social Capital and Duration of Migration on Suicidal Behaviors Among Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China: Evidence from a GIS/GPS-Assisted Probability Sample

Suicide for rural-to-urban migrants in China presents a challenge. Social capital as a modifiable factor is associated with suicidal behaviors at different levels for different populations. This study focuses on the social capital-suicidal behavior relationship among rural migrants with detailed social capital measures and their interaction with migration duration. Data were collected from a rural migrant sample in Wuhan, China. Outcome variable was reported suicidal ideation and attempts in the past 12 months. Social capital was measured using the Personal Social Capital Scale. Year of migration was measured as the number of years a subject migrated to the city. Multivariate logistic regression (coefficients [95%CIs]) was used for data analysis. Time of crossover for interaction was estimated as the year when the effect of social capital on a suicidal behavior revered from negative to positive. Study findings show a negative association between social capital and suicidal ideation (-1.48 [-2.86, -0.10]), but the association was not significant for suicidal attempts (-1.30 [-2.68, 0.08]) after considering the positive interaction between social capital and year of migration (0.11 [0.03, 0.19] for ideation and 0.11 [0.02, 0.19] for attempts). Similar effects were found for detailed social capital measures. The estimated time of crossover ranged from 7.0 to 14.8 years for different social capital measures. The findings of this study confirm the protective relationship between social capital and suicidal behaviors in the early years of migration among rural migrants. These findings inform suicide prevention among rural migrants by considering social capital during the first 7 to 15 years of migration.

Validation of the Personal Social Capital Scale-16 in Portugal: preliminary data on Portuguese and immigrants

OBJECTIVES

The Personal Social Capital Scale 16 (PSCS-16) is a self-report measure used to assess social capital, as a social determinant of health. To guarantee validated measures of this construct, the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the PSCS-16 were studied.

METHODS

The PSCS-16 comprises 16 items, organized in two scales: bonding and bridging social capital. A convenience sample of 280 participants was collected through an online survey. For construct validity, we used confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity through the average variance extracted (AVE) and correlations. For reliability, we used: The Spearman-Brown split-half and the omega hierarchical coefficient. Correlations were made between the PSCS-16 and socio-demographic variables.

RESULTS

A first-order model depicting two oblique factors was supported, suggesting the use of the two scales. Evidence of convergent validity was achieved: acceptable AVE and associations between social capital and emotional self-disclosure. For discriminant validity, the AVE values surpassed the squared correlation between bonding and bridging, and associations with sexual health were found to be absent. Reliability was good. Additional correlations: A positive association between the education level and bridging social capital and participants with an immigrant status having more bridging social capital.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary findings support the Portuguese version of PSCS-16 as suitable to evaluate social capital. Contributions are highlighted: the need to study correlates of social capital, particularly crossing migrations, social capital and mental health; and confirming the structure found by measuring its invariance.

Social capital and chemsex initiation in young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: the pink carpet Y cohort study

Background

Young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) are especially vulnerable to the risks associated with sexualized substance use, or ‘chemsex’. Engaging in chemsex established as a major risk factor for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition, and is thus a public health issue of increasing urgency. This paper attempts to explore the association between measures of social capital and patterns of sexualized substance use among a sample of YMSM in Singapore.

Methods

Results of this study were derived from baseline data of the Pink Carpet Y Cohort Study in Singapore, comprising a sample of 570 HIV-negative YMSM aged 18 to 25 years old. Latent class analysis was employed to identify classes with similar patterns of sexualized substance use, and multinomial logistic regression was employed to examine associations between class membership and proxy measures of social capital, including age of sexual debut, bonding and bridging social capital, connectedness to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and outness.

Results

Latent class analysis revealed three classes of YMSM based on their histories of sexualized substance use, which we labelled as ‘alcohol’, ‘poppers’, and ‘chemsex’. Multivariable analyses revealed that participants who were older (aOR = 1.19, p = 0.002) and who identified as gay (aOR = 2.43, p = 0.002) were more likely to be in the poppers class compared to the alcohol class. Participants with a later age of sexual debut were increasingly less likely to be in the poppers (aOR = 0.93, p = 0.039) and chemsex classes (aOR = 0.85, p = 0.018), compared to the alcohol class.

Conclusions

Varying measures of social capital such as an earlier age of exposure to sexual networks may predispose YMSM to greater opportunities for sexualized substance use. Future interventions should target YMSM who become sexually active at an earlier age to reduce the risks associated with sexualized substance use.

Association between social capital and suicide ideation, plan and attempt among men living with HIV in China

BACKGROUND

Better understanding of the relationship between social capital and risk of suicide is essential for suicide prevention and control among people living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

Participants were 494 male PLWH recruited with a venue-based method from Wuhan in China. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire during November 2015 and January 2016. Social capital was measured using the short-version Personal Social Capital Scale. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between social capital and suicidal ideations post HIV+ diagnosis and in the past month, as well as suicide plan and attempt.

RESULTS

Scatter plots showed a nonlinear trend in the prevalence of the three suicide measures along with social capital. Logistic regression analyses stratified by quartiles of social capital indicated a significant nonlinear association between social capital and the risk of suicide. The estimated odds ratio [95% CI] of suicidal ideation was 0.87 [0.51.1.42], 0.68 [0.40, 1.14] and 0.24 [0.12, 0.46] for the second, third and fourth quartile of social capital scores respectively with the first quartile as the reference. Similar results were observed for suicidal ideation in the past month and suicidal plan/attempt.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that social capital is only associated with lower suicidal ideation at very high levels of social capital. If verified with longitudinal data, this finding suggests an effective suicide prevention intervention among male PLWH must foster social capital to a level greater than average.

Gender and stress-buffering of social capital toward depression among precarious workers in South Korea

BACKGROUND

Precarious work is featured with disadvantaged job conditions such as to employment contract, job description, and occupational environment, and has been recognized as an emerging social risk for mental health. Social capital deserves further attention, believed to buffer stress produced by precarious employment. Yet, recent evidence suggests that the mental health benefits of social capital vary by gender, as gender norms that oblige women to assume a caregiving burden may nullify the benefits of a richer social capital.

OBJECTIVE

Our study focused on two types of social capital, bonding and bridging, testing their stress-buffering effects, as focusing on the posited gender-moderated effects of social capital.

METHODS

We analyzed 333 precarious workers in South Korea. Chi-square tests and t-tests are used to compare socio-demographic factors, depressive symptoms, and daily stressors by gender. Multiple regression analyses were used to test significance of an interaction term between daily stress and sub-domains of social capital by gender.

RESULTS

Male workers with higher bonding and higher bridging social capital reported lower depressive symptoms. Yet, female workers gained no direct benefit from higher bonding social capital and those with higher bridging social capital reported even higher depressive symptoms when their daily stress was lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the notion that social capital is not universally beneficial and female precarious workers lacking resources seem to suffer despite increased social participation.

Testing of a Dual Process Model to Resolve the Socioeconomic Health Disparities: A Tale of Two Asian Countries

A wealth of past studies documented that individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES) are more susceptible to both acute and chronic life stress than those of higher SES, but some recent evidence documents that not all individuals from the lower SES group experience immense stress. The present study was grounded in theories of coping and psychological adjustment, and a dual process model was formulated to address some resolved issues regarding socioeconomic disparities in health. For a robust test of the proposed dual process model, data were collected from two Asian countries—Hong Kong and Indonesia—with different socioeconomic heritage and conditions. Consistent with the predictions of our model, the present findings revealed that coping flexibility was a psychological mechanism underlying the positive association between social capital and health for the lower SES group, whereas active coping was a psychological mechanism underlying this positive association for the higher SES group. These patterns of results were largely replicable in both Asian samples, providing robust empirical support for the proposed dual process model.

Personal social capital and self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity and socioeconomic status

Background

Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11 ± 10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.

Results

Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s < .05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and LTPA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-020-10043-6.

Exploring the contribution of social capital in building resilience for climate change effects in peri-urban areas, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This article aims to contribute to the literature on the quest for resilient cities by focusing on the climate change resilience building discourse in peri-urban areas, and specifically by exploring the role of social capital-an under-researched topic. The article examines bonding social capital and bridging social capital, with a focus on how they can potentially contribute to, or inhibit, the socio-ecological system resilience building processes in the context of climate change reality in peri-urban areas. Theoretically, the author draws on the existing social capital and resilience related literatures; empirically, the article presents findings from a study conducted in the peri-urban areas of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania. The study deployed a household survey and key informant interviews. It found that both bonding and bridging social capital were strong in the research area, suggesting the feasibility of building resilience to climate change effects. Examples are given of a number of resilience building interventions that were established through synergies between social capital actors and local communities, although some doubt is cast over the sustainability of these initiatives. Overall, both theoretical and empirical evidence suggests the importance of including a focus on social capital in exploring the building of climate change resilience pathways in peri-urban areas, and especially in the context of the global south.

Individual and Environmental Factors Affecting Adaptive Behavior of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Role of Parents' Socio-cultural Level

The effects of environmental factors [including Socio-Economic Status, Cultural Capital, and Social Capital (Socio-Cultural Level) of both parents] on the Vineland-II adaptive behavior dimensions of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in addition to individual factors, was investigated in 148 Italian toddlers (82% males), aged 18 to 37 months with ASD. Toddlers’ age and Griffiths Mental Development Scales general development affected all of the adaptive behavior dimensions, with negative and positive associations, respectively. The Child Behavior Checklist comorbid conditions were negatively associated with some adaptive behavior dimensions while the ADOS-2 Social affect only with the communication dimension. Mothers’ and fathers’ specific Socio-Cultural Level dimensions were positively associated with toddlers’ specific adaptive behavior dimensions with the same magnitude as comorbid conditions.

Bonding personal social capital as an ingredient for positive aging and mental well-being. A study among a sample of Dutch elderly

OBJECTIVES

The current study aims to add to the limited empirical research of possible benefits of personal social capital for the well-being of elderly. A validated personal social capital scale, measuring both bonding and bridging social capital in a general population, was adjusted to fit the characteristics of the social environment of elderly, to explore the association between social capital and well-being of elderly, as well as the mediating role of loneliness.

METHOD

A sample of 328 Dutch adults, varying in age from 65 to 90 years (Mean = 72.07; SD = 4.90) filled out an online questionnaire including the adapted personal social capital scale for elderly (PSCSE), as well as validated scales measuring social, emotional, and psychological well-being and loneliness. Relevant other (demographic) variables were included for testing construct and criterion validity.

RESULTS

CFA analysis revealed the subdimensions bonding and bridging social capital with reliability scores of respectively α = .88 and α = .87, and α = .89 for the total scale. Regression analyses confirmed construct and criterion validity. Subsequently, significant positive associations between bonding social capital and respectively social, emotional and psychological well-being were found. These associations were mediated by loneliness. Bridging social capital was only found to be significantly associated with social well-being, not mediated by loneliness.

CONCLUSION

Our findings have enhanced our understanding of the association between social capital and mental well-being of elderly and indicate that bonding personal social capital in particular may be considered an ingredient for positive aging.

Pre-post analysis of a social capital-based exercise adherence intervention for breast cancer survivors with moderate fatigue: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study assessed the effectiveness of the Better Life After Cancer: Energy, Strength, and Support (BLESS) program, a 12-week social capital-based exercise adherence program for breast cancer survivors (BCS), regarding cancer-related fatigue (CRF), quality of life (QOL), physical activity, and psychosocial characteristics.

METHODS

Forty-eight BCS with moderate or high (≥ 4) CRF participated in this randomized control trial (intervention group n = 23, control group n = 25). The intervention group participated in small group sessions to activate social capital while targeting CRF in supervised physical exercises supplemented by home-based physical exercises. The control group was only given written information on exercise. A questionnaire was used to assess CRF, QOL, physical activity, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and social capital.

RESULTS

The majority of participants had undergone surgery less than 2 years ago. After participating in BLESS, the CRF behavioral/severity domain significantly decreased (t = 2.642, p = 0.011) and physical activity significantly increased (t = - 2.049, p = 0.046) in the intervention group, in comparison with the control group; there were no significant post-intervention differences in the control group. Both groups showed improvements in sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and QOL.

CONCLUSION

The BLESS program decreased behavioral/severity in the CRF and increased physical activity after 12 weeks among BCS. Future research needs to evaluate whether the promising results on physical activity and behavioral fatigue observed in the short term will persist over time. Also, longer-term effects should be examined.

Association between Personal Social Capital and Loneliness among Widowed Older People

To explore the association between the personal social capital and loneliness among the widowed older adults in China. Data from 1497 widowed older adults were extracted from China’s Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. The Chinese version of the Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS-16) was used to evaluate the participants’ status of bonding and bridging social capital (BOC and BRC). Loneliness was assessed by the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8). Multiple linear regression models were established to examine the relationship between social capital and loneliness. The BOC and BRC of rural widowed older people were significantly lower than those of widowed older people in urban areas, while loneliness of rural widowed older people was higher than that of widowed older people in urban areas. The result of the final model showed that loneliness of rural participants was significantly associated with both BOC (B = 0.141, p = 0.001) and BRC (B = −0.116, p = 0.003). The loneliness of the urban widowed sample had no association with both BOC and BRC (p > 0.05). These findings suggested that more social support and compassionate care should be provided to enrich the personal social capital and thus to reduce loneliness of widowed older adults, especially those in rural areas.

Developing a social capital scale for family caregivers of people with dementia

Although several scales have been designed to measure social capital, none have been specialized for caregivers of people with dementia, even though social capital is important in terms of continuing care provision. Therefore, we developed and validated a 17-item measure to assess social capital among caregivers of people with dementia. We assessed psychometric properties using responses from a questionnaire survey that included a draft of a social capital scale. Factor analysis identified three factors involving 17 items with a Cronbach's alpha of .85. The intra-class coefficient for test-retest reliability was .71. The correlation with positive aspects of caregiving was .62 (p < .01). The results suggest that our scale could be a useful tool to assess social capital among caregivers of people with dementia.

Exploring the contribution of social capital in building resilience for climate change effects in peri-urban areas, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This article aims to contribute to the literature on the quest for resilient cities by focusing on the climate change resilience building discourse in peri-urban areas, and specifically by exploring the role of social capital-an under-researched topic. The article examines bonding social capital and bridging social capital, with a focus on how they can potentially contribute to, or inhibit, the socio-ecological system resilience building processes in the context of climate change reality in peri-urban areas. Theoretically, the author draws on the existing social capital and resilience related literatures; empirically, the article presents findings from a study conducted in the peri-urban areas of Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest reserves on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania. The study deployed a household survey and key informant interviews. It found that both bonding and bridging social capital were strong in the research area, suggesting the feasibility of building resilience to climate change effects. Examples are given of a number of resilience building interventions that were established through synergies between social capital actors and local communities, although some doubt is cast over the sustainability of these initiatives. Overall, both theoretical and empirical evidence suggests the importance of including a focus on social capital in exploring the building of climate change resilience pathways in peri-urban areas, and especially in the context of the global south.

Social Interaction of Indonesian Rural Youths in the Internet Age

The internet penetration on young villagers gives rise to question about its effects on the social interaction and behavior patterns as it accelerates the interaction with the wider network. However, the internet could possibly decrease both the social interaction with local people at the village and the dependency toward native villagers as internet utilization allows the users to be more selective in terms of interactions according to their interests. This research aims to examine the impacts of the Internet through a dystopian view by comparing the degrees of senses of place, participation in local activities, and social capital among internet and non-internet users using a statistical approach. The analysis of variance and linear regression were employed in the present study. The results revealed that the internet did strengthen both broad and local social capital. It also supported young villager’s participation in local activities. Nevertheless, the internet was observed to decline the villager’s sense of place, especially the desire to remain a resident in the native village. Better access to information and network gained by the users elevated their chances to move outside the village when better opportunities were observed elsewhere.

Exploration of Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance by Gender for a Modified Shortened Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool in India

Social capital is defined as the nature of the social relationship between individuals or groups and the embedded resources available through their social network. It is considered as a critical determinant of health and well-being. Thus, it is essential to assess the performance of any tool when meaningfully comparing social capital between specific groups. Using measurement invariance (MI) analysis, this paper explored the factor structure of the social capital of men and women measured by a modified Shortened Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool (SASCAT-I) in rural Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. The study sample comprised 5,287 men (18-101 years) and 7,186 women (15-45 years) from 6,218 randomly selected households who responded to SASCAT-I during a community-level cross-sectional survey. Social capital factor structure was examined by both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and MI across genders was investigated using multigroup CFA. While disregarding gender, four unique factors (Organizational Participation, Social Support, Trust, and Social Cohesion) represented the structure of social capital. The MI analysis presented a partial metric-invariance indicating factor loadings for Organizational Participation and Social Support were the same across genders. The gender-stratified analysis demonstrated that a four-factor solution was best fitted for both men and women. Men and women of rural UP interpreted social capital differently as the perception of Trust and Social Cohesion varied across genders. For any future applications of SASCAT-I, we recommend gender-stratified factor analysis to quantify social capital's measure, acknowledging its multidimensionality.

Experiences of Stigma and Health Service Utilization among Young Rural-to-urban Migrants in China: The Mediation Role of Social Capital

Previous studies revealed that experiences of stigma may negatively affect health service utilization (HSU) among young rural-to-urban migrants. Existing literature also suggested social factors including social capital may mediate such negative effect. However, data are limited regarding the mediation role of social capital among this vulnerable population. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the associations among experiences of stigma, social capital, and HSU among young rural-to-urban migrants in China. A sample of 641 young rural-to-urban migrants was recruited through a venue-based sampling approach in Beijing, China. Participants were assessed on sociodemographic characteristics, experiences of stigma, and social capital in their urban communities. Self-reported frequency of physical examinations (regularly, irregularly, none) was used as an indicator of HSU. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to examine the direct effect of stigma on HSU as well as the mediation effect of social capital. Among the 641 young rural-to-urban migrants, 32.3% (195/603) reported never having physical examinations while 50.6% (305/603) reported having them irregularly. The final model showed a goodness of fit (χ ²/df=1.7, CFI=0.98, RMSEA=0.03, WRMR=0.74). Results of SEM revealed that both of the direct and indirect paths from experiences of stigma on HSU were statistically significant. There was a partial mediation effect of social capital on the association between experiences of stigma and HSU (delta z score=-5.49, p<0.01). Rural-to-urban migrants have a low rate of regular HSU. Experiences of stigma is associated with decreased likelihood of HSU. Social capital in the urban communities can mediate the negative effect of stigma on HSU and plays a mediation role between experiences of stigma and HSU. Therefore, to increase HSU among migrants, targeted interventions to reduce stigma and increase social capital at the migration destinations are needed.

A pathway analysis of exploring how HIV-related stigma affects social capital among people living with HIV/AIDS in China

HIV-related stigma is the most common and serious social problem which people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have to face. However, the impact of HIV stigma on social capital is not yet clear. Therefore, this study aims to understand the relationship between HIV stigma and social capital, and explore the mechanism of how HIV stigma influences social capital among Chinese PLWHA on this basis. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from Nov 2015 to Jan 2016 in Wuhan, China, using a self-reporting questionnaire. A total of 552 PLWHA participated, and 520 valid questionnaires were included. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that lower education level, lower monthly income, higher internalized stigma, and anticipated stigma were significantly associated with lower social capital. Results of path analysis showed that although perceived community stigma has no direct effect on social capital, but it can affect social capital through internalized stigma and anticipated stigma. In conclusion, increased HIV stigma and reduced social capital are frequent among PLWHA in China. Perceived community stigma may cause PLWHA to internalize stigma and anticipate stigmatizing experiences, resulting in the reduction of social capital. These findings suggest that perceived community stigma should become the target of stigma intervention strategy among Chinese PLWHA.

Social capital, migration stress, depression and sexual risk behaviors among rural-to-urban migrants in China: a moderated mediation modeling analysis

Background: Few studies have examined the complex relationship of migration stress and depression with sexual risk behaviors among migrants. The relationship between migration stress and sexual risk behaviors may be mediated by depression, and the mediation process may be modified by social capital. The study aims to investigate this moderated mediation mechanism among rural-to-urban migrants. Methods: Data were collected from rural-to-urban migrants in China. Migration stress, depression, and social capital were measured with validated scales and used as predictor, mediator and moderator, respectively, to predict the likelihood of having sex with risk partners. Mediation and moderated mediation models were used to analyze the data. Results: Depression significantly mediated the migration stress-sex with risk partner relationship for males (the indirect effect [95%CI] = 0.36 [0.08, 0.66]); the mediation effect was not significant for females (0.31 [-0.82, 0.16]). Among males, social capital significantly moderated the depression-sex with risk partner relation with moderation effect -0.12 [-0.21, -0.04], -0.21 [-0.41, -0.01] and -0.17 [-0.30, -0.05] for total, bonding and bridging capital respectively. Conclusion: Social capital may weaken the association between migration stress and sexual risk behavior by buffering the depression-sexual risk behaviors association for males. Additional research is needed to examine this issue among females.

Social Capital Associated with Quality of Life among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nanchang, China

Background: This study aims to explore the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and social capital factors among "people living with HIV/AIDS" (PLWHA), in order to improve their quality of life and help them to release AIDS discrimination. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with 225 PLWHA was done in Nanchang, China, between January and June of 2015. Questionnaires consisted of a socio-demographic questionnaire, Personal Social Capital Scale and Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey. To identify social capital factors influencing QOL among PLWHA, t-test and multiple linear regression were used as statistical tools. The analysis of data was conducted using SPSS 22.0 with a significant value of p < 0.05. Results: The scores of total social capital, bonding social capital and bridging social capital were 23.68 ± 5.55, 14.11 ± 3.40 and 9.46 ± 3.43 respectively. The scores of Physical Health Summary (PHS) and Mental Health Summary (MHS) were 51.88 ± 7.04 and 49.29 ± 6.60. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (B = -0.137, p = 0.020), income (B = 0.2170, p ≤ 0.001), employment (B = 0.112, p = 0.043) and bonding social capital (B = 0.178, p = 0.001) had significant effects on PHS. Bonding social capital was the most important influencing factor for MHS (B = 0.506, p < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between bridging social capital and QOL (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The PLWHA community has low social capital and a poor QOL in Nanchang. Bonding social capital had a positive impact on the QOL of PLWHA. There is an urgent need to build a better social support system based on bonding social capital for PLWHA. It is worth further exploring to identify how to make full use of bridging social capital for improving QOL among PLWHA.

Brothers Building Brothers by Breaking Barriers: development of a resilience-building social capital intervention for young black gay and bisexual men living with HIV

Young Black gay/bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. Novel intervention strategies are needed to optimize engagement in HIV care for this population. We sought to develop a group-level intervention to enhance resilience by augmenting social capital (defined as the sum of resources in an individual's social network) among YB-GBMSM living with HIV, with the ultimate goal of improving engagement in HIV care. Our multiphase, community-based participatory research (CBPR) intervention development process included: (1) Development and maintenance of a youth advisory board (YAB) comprised of YB-GBMSM living with HIV; (2) Qualitative in-depth interviews with YB-GBMSM living with HIV; (3) Qualitative in-depth interviews with care and service providers at clinics and community-based organizations; and (4) Collaborative development of intervention modules and activities with our YAB, informed by social capital theory and our formative research results. The result of this process is Brothers Building Brothers By Breaking Barriers, a two-day, 10-module group-level intervention. The intervention does not focus exclusively on HIV, but rather takes a holistic approach to supporting youth and enhancing resilience. Intervention modules aim to develop resilience at the individual level (exploration of black gay identity, development of critical self-reflection and coping skills), social network level (exploring strategies for navigating family and intimate relationships) and community level (developing strategies for navigating clinical spaces and plans for community participation). Most intervention activities are interactive, in order to facilitate new social network connections - and accompanying social capital - within intervention groups. In summary, our intensive CBPR approach resulted in a novel, culturally-specific intervention designed to enhance HIV care engagement by augmenting resilience and social capital among YB-GBMSM living with HIV.

Associations between personal social capital and depressive symptoms: Evidence from a probability sample of urban residents in China

BACKGROUND:

Rapid socioeconomic changes in China present a mental health challenge and also an opportunity to investigate the relationship between social capital and depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Participants (18-45 years old, N = 1,250) were selected using a probability sampling method. The relationship between social capital (measured using the Personal Social Capital Scale) and depression (measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory Depression Subscale) was examined using bivariate analysis, followed by multiple regression to control for covariates.

RESULTS:

Of the total sample, 54.64% were female with mean age = 35.1 (standard deviation ( SD) = 7.5) years old. Depression score was 10.40 ( SD = 3.62) for males and 10.36 ( SD) = 3.30) for females. The social capital measures (including the total, bonding and bridging) were all negatively associated with depression scores, while the negative social capital was positively associated, after controlling for covariates. Subgroup analysis revealed some differences in the social capital-depression associations.

CONCLUSION:

The protective effect of social capital for mental health reported in other countries is also evident in this study. In addition, we found a positive association between negative social capital and depression. In addition to adding new knowledge, findings of this study, if verified with longitudinal design, can be used to support social and behavioral interventions in China to promote mental health by social capital enhancement.

Social Capital, Depressive Symptoms, and HIV Viral Suppression Among Young Black, Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV

Social capital, the sum of an individual's resource-containing social network connections, has been proposed as a facilitator of successful HIV care engagement. We explored relationships between social capital, psychological covariates (depression, stigma and internalized homonegativity), and viral suppression in a sample of young Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM). We recruited 81 HIV-positive YB-GBMSM 18-24 years of age from a clinic setting. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey, and HIV-1 viral load (VL) measurements were extracted from the medical record. Sixty-five percent (65%) were virally suppressed (HIV-1 VL ≤ 40 copies/ml). Forty-seven percent (47%) had a positive depression screen. Depressive symptoms affected viral suppression differently in YB-GBMSM with lower vs. higher social capital (p = 0.046, test for statistical interaction between depression and social capital). The odds of viral suppression among YB-GBMSM with lower social capital was 93% lower among those with depressive symptoms (OR 0.07, p = 0.002); however, there was no association between depressive symptoms and viral suppression among those with higher social capital. Our results suggest that social capital may buffer the strong negative effects of depressive symptoms on clinical outcomes in YB-GBMSM living with HIV. In addition to treating depression, there is a role for interventions to augment social capital among YB-GBMSM living with HIV as a strategy for enhancing care engagement.

Social Capital Associated with Quality of Life Mediated by Employment Experiences: Evidence from a Random Sample of Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China

Working-age migrants need to possess adequate social capital in order to secure a stable and satisfactory job so that they can pursue a better quality of life (QOL). The positive relationship between social capital and vocational experiences, including successful employment, has been well established. In this study we focused on testing a multi-step mediation model linking social capital with employment experiences, and further to QOL. Survey data from rural-to-urban migrants randomly selected from Wuhan, China were analyzed. Social capital, including bonding and bridging capital, was measured using the Personal Social Capital Scale; employment experiences were measured using five job-related items; and QOL was measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that job security and job satisfaction were positively and significantly associated with QOL, and social capital measures were significantly associated with higher QOL (primarily for males). Furthermore, job security and job satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between social capital and QOL after controlling for covariates. Findings of this study suggest the significance of social capital, job security and satisfaction in improving migrants' QOL, implying the importance of vocational experiences in mediating the effect from social capital to QOL. If the findings can be confirmed with longitudinal data, these factors should be considered in decision making to improve rural-to-urban migrants' QOL in China.

Status and determinants of health services utilization among elderly migrants in China

Background

The household registration system in China places migrants in a vulnerable status regarding access to local public services, including limited access to health services. Most studies on migrants’ health services utilization targeted on working-age migrants, and there has been a paucity of studies conducted among elderly migrants. This study aims to investigate the status of health services utilization and its influential factors among elderly migrants.

Methods

Data (13,043 participants, 52.4% male, mean age 66.22 ± 6.20) were derived from the 2015 Migrant Dynamics Monitoring Survey. The outcome variable in the study was health services utilization, consisting of doctor visits, hospitalization and local inpatient care. The Behavioral Model of Health Service Use was applied to categorize the influential factors into three components, including predisposing, enabling and need factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influential factors of the three components of health services utilization.

Results

Of the total sample, 45.5% would visit a doctor when they were ill, 81.8% would prefer to be hospitalized when recommended by doctors, and 71.6% (those who were hospitalized) would choose to receive local inpatient care rather than going back to their hometown. Age, marital status, household income, years of residence, migration range, reasons for migration, size of friend network, health insurance type, local health insurance status and chronic disease status were significantly associated with health services utilization.

Conclusion

A low level of local health services utilization was observed among elderly migrants. Enabling factors played important roles in promoting health services utilization among elderly migrants. Policy and decision makers may consider improving the capability for elderly migrants to access health services, such as increasing income and providing local health insurance.

The effects of patient-centered communication, social capital, and internet use on patient empowerment: a cross-sectional study in China

Patient empowerment is a relatively new concept in the context of the Chinese health care system. Based on Street’s ecological framework of communication in healthcare settings, this study examined the social, clinical and media factors that could empower patients. Results from a survey of 401 Chinese adults (response rate, 34%) showed that respondents felt more empowered as health care consumers when they reported having more social capital bonding and bridging, and used the Internet for health purposes more often. Importantly, having had more positive patient-centered communicative experiences with health care providers not only predicted patient empowerment, it also moderated the effects of bridging social capital and Internet use on empowerment. Specifically, the more positive the experience of interacting with health care providers, the weaker the effects of bridging social capital and Internet use on patient empowerment. The findings have important implications for patient empowerment in health care, particularly within the context of China.

Social capital and PTSD among PLWHA in China: the mediating role of resilience and internalized stigma

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Few studies have investigated social-psychological predictors of PTSD in China. This study aimed to examine relationships between social capital, stigma, resilience and PTSD among PLWHA in China, and to provide effective suggestions for PTSD intervention. A cross-sectional study of 520 PLWHA was conducted from November 2015 to January 2016. Survey data were collected using anonymous self-reported questionnaire. Multivariable analyses were used to examine related factors of PTSD, and causal mediation analyses were conducted to assess whether stigma and resilience were mediators. Results indicated that higher risk of PTSD was independent associated with stronger stigma, decreasing social capital and lower resilience. There was an indirect relationship of social capital on PTSD mediated through resilience and HIV-related stigma. Therefore, PTSD intervention programs should not only pay attention to the role of social capital on PTSD, but also attach importance to stigma and resilience on PTSD symptoms.