[Social capital and mental health in low income urban communities in Santiago, Chile].

BACKGROUND Many studies suggest that social capital, defined as those intangible resources of a society or community (trust, participation and reciprocity), that might facilitate collective action, can be associated with positive health effects. AIM To explore the relationship between social capital an the level of mental health, in urban communities of Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a qualitative-quantitative cross-sectional design, two low income neighborhoods in the municipality of Puente Alto were selected. Interviews to key agents and focus groups, as well as surveys (407) to adults from a representative random sample of households, were conducted, measuring social capital, using a locally devised questionnaire and mental health using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12 instrument). A qualitative analysis based on the grounded theory and a quantitative analysis through correlations and simple and logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS The quantitative analysis found an association between female gender, education and having a chronic disease, with low levels of mental health. At the same time, the trust component of social capital might be associated with a better mental health status. Qualitatively, all the components of social capital were identified as important for a better mental health. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the existence of a positive relationship between social capital and mental health. Developing trust in a community might be a useful tool to work in mental health at the community level.