Community belonging and health.
OBJECTIVE
This article explores the relationship between sense of community belonging and self-perceived health.


METHODS
The data are from the first half of cycle 1.1 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), collected from September 2000 through February 2001.


METHODS
Descriptive information relating socio-demographic variables to sense of community belonging is presented. Multiple logistic regression is used to study the association between sense of community belonging and self-perceived health, while controlling for socio-demographic conditions and other health-related factors.


RESULTS
Just over half (56%) of Canadians report a strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging to their local community. Community belonging is associated with self-perceived health, even when controlling for socio-economic status, the presence of chronic disease, health behaviours, stress and other factors.
McGill University, Social and Economic Studies Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 0T6.
Nancy
N
Ross
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification