The Relationships Between Social Capital and Self-Rated Health of Elderly in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Ching-Shan Yu, 余青珊
• Other Authors: Jye-Wang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/67210333233558253261

碩士 === 長榮大學 === 醫務管理學系(所) === 100 === Background and Study Purpose: Most previous studies on the relationships between social capital and health conducted on Taiwan’s elderly population were either cross-sectional studies or used limited measures of social capital. Thus, the relationships between various domains of social capital and health remain unclear for Taiwan’s elderly population. This study examines the relationships between self-perceived health and five domains of social capital, including social trust, provision of social support, receipt of emotional and instrumental support, as well as social participation. Method: Data for this longitudinal cohort study came from 2003 and 2007 waves of the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan. 1659 community-dwelling elders who were 65 or older in 2003 were included in the analyses. Five measures of social capital (social trust, receipt of emotional and instrumental social support, provision of instrumental social support, and social participation) were constructed from the question items. All models controlled for demographics, comorbidities, level of disability, and stress level. Multiple linear regression models were used for analysis. Results: Higher level of social trust, receipt of emotional support, and social participation were associated with better self-perceived health. Receipt of instrumental support was associated with worse self-perceived health. Discussion: To enhance health of the elder population, they should be encouraged to participate in more social activities and community empowerment programs so as to improve their inter-personal relationship and social support.