Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity and good nutrition are important behavioral factors in promoting health and preventing disease. It is important to understand the factors affecting physical activity and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to explore whether social capital has an effect on physical activity and nutrition, and whether health literacy plays a mediating role between social capital and physical activity as well as nutrition.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed in a certain district of Shanghai in March and April 2017. Data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire, which included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, social capital, health literacy and health-promoting lifestyle profile-II. Health-promoting lifestyle profile-II measures the behaviours or habits of physical activity and healthy nutrition. An explore factor analysis of the principal components with varimax rotation was carried out on the social capital scale. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the sociodemographic of participants. Mediation analysis was performed using the bootstrapping tests to examine whether health literacy mediate the relationship between social capital and physical activity as well as nutrition.ResultsThe explore factor analysis results showed that social capital has five dimensions, namely social participation, social support, social network, control over life and feelings about the community. There is a positive correlation between social capital, health literacy, physical activity and nutrition. The correlation coefficient varied from 0.135 to 0.594. Mediation analysis demonstrated health literacy played a partial mediating effect between social capital and physical activity as well as nutrition. In the relationship between physical activity and social capital, the indirect effect of health literacy accounted for 8.20 to 12.65% of the total effect. In the relationship between nutrition and social capital, the mediation effect of health literacy accounted for 4.93 to 12.71% of the total effect.ConclusionSocial capital can promote physical activity and nutrition by disseminating health information. Enhancing the social capital of residents will help increase physical activity and develop healthy eating habits. Attention should also be paid to the improvement of residents’ health literacy.
Highlights
Physical activity and good nutrition are important behavioral factors in promoting health and preventing disease
The aim of this study was to explore the associated of physical activity and nutrition engagement with social capital, and whether health literacy acts as a mediator in this association
After analyzing and categorizing the meanings of the factors and the items they contain, the five dimensions are named for social support, social networks, social participation, feelings about the community, and control over life
Summary
Physical activity and good nutrition are important behavioral factors in promoting health and preventing disease. In adults and the elderly, physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and cancer. It can improve bone health and cognitive ability in children and adolescents. In 2014, the proportion of people who regularly participated in physical activities in China was 33.9% (including children and adolescents), and the number of young adults aged 20–49 taking part in exercise is still very small [4]. Improving the physical activity and nutrition of residents is of great significance for reducing the risk of illness and improving the quality of life
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