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Meta-Analysis
. 2013 Nov;18(11):1385-99.
doi: 10.1177/1359105311435983. Epub 2013 Apr 2.

A meta-analysis of social capital and health: a case for needed research

Keon L Gilbert  1 , Sandra C Quinn, Robert M Goodman, James Butler, John Wallace
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis of social capital and health: a case for needed research

Keon L Gilbert et al. J Health Psychol. 2013 Nov.

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.

Keywords: health; meta-analysis; mortality; physical health; review of literature; self-rated health; social capital.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of effect sizes by study.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Distribution of Effect Sizes by Moderator
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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