The effect of social capital on health: the case of two language groups in Finland.

Full Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the association between individual-level social capital and two aspects of self-reported health-self-rated health and psychological health -- in Finland. Data were taken from a nationwide survey conducted in year 2000/2001. Two language groups, the Swedish-speakers and the Finnish-speakers in Finland were used as examples to illustrate ethnic differences in social capital. Moreover, social capital was used to explore the reasons behind health inequalities between the language groups. The results of the study demonstrated a positive association between individual-level cognitive social capital and the health outcomes. We further found that Swedish-speakers possess more structural and cognitive social capital compared to Finnish-speakers. Social capital explains to some extent health differences between the language groups. The results indicate the importance of considering ethnic differences in social determinants of health.

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Author information

Author/s: Nyqvist, Fredrica (F); Finnäs, Fjalar (F); Jakobsson, Gunborg (G); Koskinen, Seppo (S);

Affiliation: Department of Social Sciences, Abo Akademi University, FIN-65101, Vasa, Finland. fredrica.nyqvist(-atsign-)abo.fi

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Health & place (Health Place), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 14 (issue 2) : pp 347-60

Dates: Created 2007/12/10; Completed 2008/03/25;

PMID: 17950023, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Female
Finland
Health Status
Health Surveys
Humans
Language

Language
Male
Mental Health
Middle Aged
Self Disclosure
Social Support
Sweden - ethnology

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