A study from the region of Northern Jutland Denmark ”Social capital” and personal health - at village level

Social capital Does the local social network influence the well- being of citizens - down to local village area? Can this knowledge be used in the general (official) campaigns e.g. to improve health among people? The community of Mariagerfjord participated in a university study as one of three municipalities in the region.

Social capital – on a personal level Network Relationships / close contact to other people Level of trust between people in general Informal rules of reciprocity Trust on a more general level (to official institutions) The study attempts to understand what factors influence the individual level of illness, health and general well-being among citizens – on a local basis (e.g. village/local community).

Social capital – at community level Creates cooperation and community in a given area, that may benefit both the society and individuals. Social capital is connected to the level of crime and vandalism in an area but also to selfestimated health.

Social capital – essential finding: The analysis shows, that local social capital does influence the the health status and health-habits of the citizens. Even when personal characteristics are considered. For instance a high score on the social capital ”trust” and ”level of participation in local activities” in a small community increases the level of fysical activity and reduces the number of persons with problems of overweight.

Social capital – essential finding: There are significant differences between local areas when it comes to social capital. People who live close to each other have more things in common than with people in other local communities. Therefore it makes sense to adapt a local focus and launch local initiatives in official projects and campaigns – health or other.

Social capital – findings on ‘trust’: There is a connection between personal circumstances and the level of trust: Women are more trusting than men The level of trust increases with age, level of education and income Persons married or engaged in relationships are more trusting than single people

Social capital – ow to use the data: If the municipality in a local area with social capital (good traditions of active participation) wishes to improve the public health - it can build on this tradition and ‘design’ projects that encourage people to meet and walk or run together, or have other fysical activities in groups. Or reduce problems with personal overweight in an area by e.g. starting public soup kitchens with focus on healthy food and helathy lifestyle.

Social capital In a community with low social capital the aim of a campaign should be first and foremost how to improve the social capital before implementing activities. Social capital comes first and is the ground stone on which to build the activities and projects. Without social capital (trust, network and active participation) it is very hard to engage a community in a common cause.

Other findings: All groups of citizens benefit equally of positive social capital in their living area. Regardless of social or other status.

Social capital – how it influences on personal health: Through three different ‘mecanisms’: Behaviour – defines norms and possibly also lifestyle. Ability to stand together – e.g. fight for or against something. The psyko-social element – greater well-being in general.

Social capital Is social capital an individual issue? Or is it connected to the local reality? This study indicates, that social capital can indeed be seen as related to a local area – and not only as an individual issue. The study reveals which local communities have a high score on social capital – and which have a low score.

Participation in local area activities within the last month. Community of Mariagerfjord

Social capital – ”trust” Trust on a personal level Family, near relationships Trust on more official level To people in general Institutional trust Towards official institutions

”Most people can be trusted” Community of Mariagerfjord

Social capital – the survey The data was collected in 2007 and again in 2012/13. The region and local municipalities now has access to important data when designing future campaigns with focus on e.g. improving health among citizens and reduce lifestyle problems in local areas. The data also can be used to start initiatives to improve the social capital in areas where it does not exist at the moment.

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