| dc.description.abstract | The social determinants of health and health related behaviours have been studied
extensively. Social capital is a construct first used in economic and sociological research, which
is currently being used to investigate health. Health is often cited as one of the most important
things in one’s life. Many individuals, however, practice lifestyle behaviours which place them
at risk. For example, smoking is recognized as a health risk for all persons and many young
adults attending post-secondary institutions may smoke. To what extent, is a young adult’s social
capital associated with their health and can social capital be used to describe a specific health
behaviour such as smoking? In the present study, a pilot survey was developed specific to a post-secondary
population to assess individual social capital indicators, formulate a social capital
index, and determine the extent to which the index was associated with health and a specific
behaviour - smoking . Knowledge of the strength or weakness in the social capital of a post-secondary
community may assist health care practitioners with strategies to assist young people. | |
