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Collective control, social cohesion and health and well-being: baseline survey results from the communities in
V J McGowan1,2, N Akhter2,3, E Halliday4
1Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK.
Background:
Area-based initiatives (ABIs) are receiving renewed interest as a part of the 'place-based public health' approaches to reducing health inequalities.
Purpose:
Examine associations between collective control, social cohesion and health amongst residents involved in the Big Local (BL) ABI.
Methods:
Survey data on general health, mental well-being, perceptions of individual and collective control and social cohesion was obtained in 2016 for 1600 residents involved in the 150 BL ABI areas in England, and 862 responded-a response rate of >50%. Adjusted mean differences and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effect linear and generalized estimating equation models. Subgroup analysis by gender and educational level was conducted.
Results:
Mental well-being was positively associated with collective control (mean difference: 3.06 units, 1.23-4.90) and some measures of social cohesion ('people in the area are willing to help each other' [mean difference: 1.77 units, 0.75-2.78]). General health was positively associated with other measures of social cohesion (area-belonging [OR: 4.25, 2.26-7.97]).
Conclusions:
Collective control and some aspects of social cohesion were positively associated with better mental well-being and self-rated health amongst residents involved with BL. These positive associations were often greater amongst women and participants with a lower education. Increasing the collective control residents have in ABIs could improve the health effects of ABIs.
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