Investigating Social Capital Among COVID-19 Patients: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The global COVID-19 outbreak has posed significant challenges to public health. Social capital has emerged as a crucial social factor in mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the social capital levels of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and compare these levels between inpatient and outpatient cases. Methods: In 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted at Ganjavaian Hospital in Dezful city, Iran, involving 428 COVID-19 patients. The participants were selected through a stratified random sampling method and divided into two groups: Inpatients and outpatients. Data were collected using a standardized social capital instrument, along with demographic information on variables such as age, gender, education level, marital status, and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Results: Among the COVID-19 patients, the social capital components of individual trust, cohesion/social support, and social trust/associative relations were measured at 3.24 ± 0.25, 3.15 ± 0.28, and 2.49 ± 0.41, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between patient status and age (OR = 1.47, CI 95%: 1.21 - 1.80), education level (OR = 2.64, CI 95%: 1.50 - 4.71), individual trust (OR = 3.40, CI 95%: 1.55 - 7.47), and cohesion/social support (OR = 3.03, CI 95%: 1.49 - 6.28). Conclusions: Outpatients demonstrated higher levels of social capital compared to inpatients, highlighting the critical role social capital plays in coping with illness. This disparity suggests that outpatients benefit from stronger social networks and support systems. Enhancing social capital for hospitalized patients could significantly improve their health outcomes.