J Agric Med Community Health.  2011 Jun;36(2):73-86.

The Influence of Individual-Level Social Capital on Depression

• Lee JH
• Park KS
• Kim RB
• Kim BJ
• Chun JH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to investigate the relationship between individual-level social capital and depression.
METHODS
Data from the 2009 Community Health Survey were analyzed for this study. We used chi-square tests and hierarchical logistic regression analyses to determine the relationship between individual-level social capital and depression. The Korean version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale was used to measure depression.
RESULTS
After controlling for socio-demographic factors such as, health behavior and chronic illness morbidity, that are associated with individual-level social capital, trust and informal participation significantly affected depression. Respondents with "be trust"(0.536, 95% CI 0.419-0.685) and who participate in "informal groups"(0.657, 95% CI 0.516-0.836) had significantly lower odds ratios of depression.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering and introducing measures to increase the social capital of residents, need reduce depression. It is especially necessary to enhance resident empowerment.

Keyword

Social capital; Depression; CES-D

MeSH Terms

Chronic Disease
Depression
Health Behavior
Health Surveys
Logistic Models
Odds Ratio
Power (Psychology)
Surveys and Questionnaires