Social capital and health among Burundian refugees in the United States

Abstract

This pilot study examined levels of social capital and their associations with the health status of Burundian refugees, who have recently increased in number in the United States. The findings revealed that none of the study sample had received formal education with one exception, and approximately 46 percent of the sample reported that they could not speak English at all. The study sample had more contact with other Burundian refugees than with other ethnic group members. Bonding and bridging social capital were explored, but neither was significantly associated with the refugees’ health status. Further research directions are discussed.