Social Capital
[Participation in the local community] [Trust & safety] [Reciprocity & neighbourhood connection]
Introduction
Societal values and rules affect the health and well being of individuals and populations. Risks to health are reduced when there is social stability, recognition of diversity, safety, good human relationships and cohesive communities. Support from family, friends and communities, and the quality of these supports, determine how people will handle difficult circumstances and, therefore, the impact these circumstances will have on their overall health outcomes. Some studies have shown that the negative health impact of social isolation may be as significant as other traditional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and sedentary lifestyle. Family structure has a strong impact on the health and wellbeing of children and their parents and can impact on the availability to families of resources and skills needed to achieve resilience to life stresses caused by work and financial problems. Inadequate family income is more common in single parent families and poverty has a strong impact on health. Family breakdown can also have adverse social and health consequences for children and their parents1.
1. Northern Rivers Health Equity Working Group. Northern Rivers Equity Profile – Phase 1 Northern Rivers Area Health Service: Lismore, September 2003.
| Suggested citation of this publication: | Population Health, Planning and Performance Directorate, North Coast Area Health Profile. North Coast Area Health Service, Lismore. Available at: . Accessed (insert date of access). |
| Produced by: | Public Health Unit (Population Health, Planning and Performance Directorate), North Coast Area Health Service. |