title: A meta-analysis of social capital and health: a case for needed research.
abstract: Social capital refers to various levels of social relationships formed through social networks. Measurement differences have lead to imprecise measurement. A meta-analysis of eligible studies assessing the bivariate association between social capital and self-reported health and all-cause mortality was performed. Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria, showing social capital increased odds of good health by 27 percent (95% confidence intervals [CI] =21%, 34%). Social capital variables, reciprocity increased odds of good health by 39 percent (95% CI = 21%, 60%) and trust by 32 percent (95% CI =19%, 46%). Future research suggests operationalizing measures by assessing differences by race/ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status.
authors.affiliation: Saint Louis University, USA.
authors.forename: Keon L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Sandra C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009026:Mortality; D012944:Social Support
keywords: health; meta-analysis; mortality; physical health; review of literature; self-rated health; social capital
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