The relationship between quality of life and social capital among community health service staff: A case study

Quality of life is one of the key concepts of sustainable development. Social capital, on the other hand is considered both as an important variable affecting the success of development programs as well as a social determinant of health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between quality of life and social capital among the community health service staff in Malayer city. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in 2017, a sample of 186 participants were selected using stratified sampling method. A standard questionnaire including questions on demographic information (N=5), quality of life (N=36) and social capital (N=36) was used to collect data which were then analysed using one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t-test in SPSS 20. According to the findings, the mean scores of social capital and quality of life were 119/13 ± 3/34 and 68/4 ± 16/71, respectively. There was a positive significant relationship between social capital and the general health (r=0/22, p=0/003), mental health (r=0/24, p=0/001), social functioning (r=0/25, p=0/000), physical functioning (r=0/38, p=0/001), role limitations due to physical pain (r=0/25, p=0/001), role limitations due to mental problems (r=0/20, p=0/007) and vitality and happiness (r=0/23, p=0/001). There was a low but not significant positive relationship between physical pain and social capital (r=0/14, p=0/06) According of the findings the level of social capital can effectively improve the quality of life. It seems that enhancement of social partnerships and collaborative activities, development of social relationships, and reinforcement of a sense of security and trust among employees can improve the quality of life.