Relation of Social Capital to Health and Well-Being in the Asia Pacific Values Survey: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

The relation of social capital to adult health and well-being was examined using data from Asia Pacific Values Survey (2010–2014). The relationships between health and well-being factors (self-reported somatic symptoms [SRSS], subjective health satisfaction [HS], lifesatisfaction [LS], and family life satisfaction [FS]) and social factors (socioeconomic status [SES]) were analyzed by a logistic regression model. Adjusting for SES, the lack of trust measured by three social capital items was related to poor SRSS, HS, LS, and FS, but some relationships were not significant. Among the Asia Pacific countries, Singapore showed good health and well-being compared with Japan. This study provides evidence that social capital dimensions are positively associated with SRSS and overall well-being in Asia Pacific countries.