SOCIAL CAPITAL, FUNCTIONAL HEALTH STATUS, and QUALITY of LIFE AMONG ADULTS in RURAL SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Promise Okoroafor, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
Joshua O. Akinyemi, University of Ibadan
Mobolaji Salawu, University of Ibadan
Ojo M. Agunbiade, Obafemi Awolowo University/ Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Olanrewaju Eniade, University of Ibadan
Olufunmilayo Fawole, University of Ibadan

The health and well-being of adults are crucial public health concerns globally, particularly in developing countries where both social capital and health are key for development. This study examined the associations between structural social capital, functional health status, and quality of life among 922 adults in rural southwest Nigeria. Data were collected between June and August 2020 across three states. Health and well-being measures were adapted from the WHO's global ageing and adult health study, while social capital was assessed using the Short Social Capital Assessment Tool (SASCAT). Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via AMOS v.23, the study found that social capital significantly affects quality of life (b=0.198, t=3.060, p=0.002). Moderation analysis indicated that education level impacts the relationship between social capital and health status (p=0.047) and between health status and quality of life (p<0.001). The association between health status and quality of life was significant for age (p=0.028). Mediation analysis showed that social capital does not mediate the relationship between health status and quality of life (p=0.471). Interventions to enhance quality of life in these rural settings should consider social capital, age, education level, and health status, focusing on younger adults and those with lower education levels.

Keywords: Social network methods, Health and Morbidity, Population and Development, Structural equation modelling

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