Work

Assessing the link between social capital and health outcomes in the Italian regions: An empirical analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: An extensive literature demonstrates a positive relationship between social capital and health. However, empirical analyses within the Italian context remain limited. This study contributes to the existing literature by expanding the empirical evidence on this topic for Italy, employing an ecological approach. Using data from 21 territorial units (19 regions and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bozen) over the period 2011–2019, the study examines the role of bonding, bridging and overall social capital in shaping both objective health indicators (such as mortality rates, life expectancy and potential years of life not lost) and self‐reported health (specifically life expectancy in good health). The analysis also controls for regional socio‐economic factors and health resources, managed at the regional level in Italy. The findings reveal significant correlations between all dimensions of social capital and health outcomes, pointing out the importance of addressing regional disparities in social capital within health policy.

Source: Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics

DOI: 10.1111/apce.70027

Authors: Maria Alessandra Antonelli, Giorgia Marini

Institution: Sapienza University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,240