Social Determinants of Health and positive psychology: examining mechanisms of social capital and health

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25870573
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Applied health science; Epidemiology and preventive medicine
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: Kokoro Shirai 琉球大学, 法文学部, 准教授 (80530211)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 健康の社会的決定要因 / ソーシャル・キャピタル / ポジティブ心理要因 / 沖縄 / 高齢者

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study attempted to examine the mechanisms of social determinants of health in Okinawa and Japan.　As a result of 3-year project, we examined social capital (hereafter SC), positive psychological conditions and its association with health related outcomes. In this study, we conducted cohort study among participants living in the community in Okinawa. Among selected participants of this study, we further collected nutrition data and biomarker data evaluating stress levels and resilience factors.
Study results suggested that protective effect of SC as well as positive psychological conditions on health. For example, levels of SC were associated with reduced risks of dementia onset based on a 10 year follow-up study. Also, altruistic behavior and Sense of Coherence were associated with reduced risks of all-cause mortality, dementia and CVD, respectively. These results were presented during study period in academic journals, published books and international conferences.

Free Research Field

社会疫学・公衆衛生学