Browsing by Author "Bossert, Thomas J."

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    Innovation and change in the chilean health system
    (2016) Bossert, Thomas J.; Leisewitz, T.
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    Social capital and mental health in low income urban communities in Santiago, Chile
    (2008) Poblete, Fernando C.; Sapag, Jaime C.; Bossert, Thomas J.
    Background- Many studies suggest that social capital, defined as those intangible resources of a society or community (trust, participation and reciprocity), that might facilitate collective action, can be associated with positive health effects. Aim: To explore the relationship between social capital an the level of mental health, in urban communities of Santiago, Chile. Material and methods: In a qualitative-quantitative cross-sectional design, two low income neighborboods in the municipality of Puente Alto were selected. Interviews to key agents and focus groups, as well as surveys (407) to adults from a representative random sample of households, were conducted, measuring social capital using a locally devised questionnaire and mental health using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12 instrument). A qualitative analysis based on the grounded theory and a quantitative analysis through correlations and simple and logistic regression models were applied. Results. The quantitative analysis found an association between female gender education and having a chronic disease, with low levels of mental health. At the same time, the trust component of social capital might be associated with a better mental bealth status. Qualitatively all the components of social capital were identified as important for a better mental health. Conclusions. This study suggests the existence of a positive relationship between social capital and mental health. Developing trust in a community might be a useful tool to work in mental health at the community level.