Study Title
Relationship between individual-level social capital and non-communicable diseases among adults in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Principal Investigator
Chihiro Tsuchiya, et al.
Affiliation
Iryo Sosei University, Chiba, Japan; Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services; City Council, Honiara, Solomon Islands; Kyoto University, Japan.
Start Date
March 2019.
End Date
August 2019.
Study Objective
To examine the relationship between individual social capital and risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Short Abstract
This study explored the relationship between social capital and health in the context of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Honiara. It found that in periurban areas, higher cognitive social capital, such as trust, was associated with lower BMI, while in urban areas, cognitive social capital and individual social support were linked to lower blood glucose levels and blood pressure. However, participating in group activities was sometimes associated with higher BMI and blood glucose levels, highlighting both positive and negative health impacts of social capital.
Study Design
Cross-sectional study involving interviews, anthropometric measurements, and social capital assessment tools.
Population
200 adults aged 20–80 years from urban and periurban areas of Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Sample Size
200 participants (123 from Fishing Village, 77 from Jericho).
Inclusion Criteria
Adults aged 20-80 years living in the urban and periurban areas of Honiara.
Exclusion Criteria
Not specified.
Intervention/Exposure
Not applicable (observational study).
Outcome Measures
BMI, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure in relation to social capital (cognitive and structural).
Funding Source
Kanae Foundation and KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).
Collaborating Institutions
Kyoto University, Solomon Islands Ministry of Health.
Ethics Approval
Approved by Kyoto University Ethics Committee and Solomon Islands Health Research and Ethics Review Board (HRE029/18).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, November 2023.
Keywords
Social capital, non-communicable diseases, BMI, blood glucose, blood pressure, Solomon Islands.
Data Collection Methods
Questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and interview surveys.
Primary Data Availability
Data available on reasonable request.
Contact Information
Dr. Chihiro Tsuchiya,