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Healthcare
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Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities
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Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 8722

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bishwajit Ghose

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Guest Editor
Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1, Canada
Interests: global health; health inequality; urbanization; community health programs
Dr. Josephine Etowa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1, Canada
Interests: health outcomes; community health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today's interconnected world, the concept of social capital is gaining increasing attention in understanding the dynamics of health and quality of life outcomes, among many others. Social capital refers to the networks, norms, and trust within a community that facilitate cooperation and collaboration among individuals and groups. Individuals with strong social networks often enjoy better physical health outcomes, experience higher levels of subjective well-being, and have greater access to resources and support systems when facing challenges. However, social capital can also contribute to social marginalization when networks and norms exclude certain groups or individuals.

To this regard, we are pleased to announce a Special Issue on "Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities". We invite original and review studies that examine the role of living environments, social networks, social support, and social cohesion in promoting mental health and well-being. By bringing attention to this important topic, we hope to promote the development of effective interventions and programs that can improve mental health and well-being for all. 

The Special Issue aims to explore the relationship between social capital and mental health outcomes among marginalized groups, e.g., those living in low-income neighbourhoods, ethnic and racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, refugees, etc.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Bishwajit Ghose
Dr. Josephine Etowa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • social capital
  • social networks
  • social support
  • mental health
  • well-being
  • marginalized communities

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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9 pages, 259 KB  
Article
Predictive Factors of Resilience in Early Childhood Care Professionals
by Sofía Gómez-Herrera, Maria Auxiliadora Robles-Bello, David Sánchez-Teruel and Aziz Sarhani-Robles
Healthcare 2025, 13(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010081 - 4 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1366
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early childhood intervention professionals have higher rates of work-related stress and burnout compared to other health professionals. Furthermore, this is exacerbated by exposure to negative emotions, the stigma associated with mental health, and even the stress experienced by families due to the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early childhood intervention professionals have higher rates of work-related stress and burnout compared to other health professionals. Furthermore, this is exacerbated by exposure to negative emotions, the stigma associated with mental health, and even the stress experienced by families due to the impact of having a child with a developmental disability. The aim of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence and empathy were able to predict resilience in early childhood care professionals. Methods: The total sample consisted of 139 people (128 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 32.69 and SD 9.72) who were divided into two groups: high resilience (M = 35.85; SD = 3.64) and low resilience (M = 20.74; SD = 3.84). Results: The results showed significant differences between the two groups in self and others’ emotional appraisal, use and regulation of emotion, perspective taking, and personal distress, with a positive relationship between resilience and all sub-dimensions of emotional intelligence and perspective taking and a negative relationship with personal distress. In addition, a predictive model of resilience in early childhood professionals was found with empathic concern, personal distress, and use of emotion. Conclusions: This study is useful to start investigating psychological aspects related to early intervention and its professionals in order to consolidate a resilient workforce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities)
11 pages, 521 KB  
Article
The Intersection of Sexual Orientation, Substance Use, and Mental Health: Findings from Hints 5
by Saredo M. Bouraleh and Bishwajit Ghose
Healthcare 2024, 12(20), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202083 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1659
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate (1) the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with sexual orientation (LGBTQ and heterosexual individuals) and (2) the difference in the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with self-reported depression by sexual orientation. Methods: The [...] Read more.
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate (1) the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with sexual orientation (LGBTQ and heterosexual individuals) and (2) the difference in the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with self-reported depression by sexual orientation. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4). Sample participants included 3583 adults (93.87% heterosexuals). We used multinomial regression to measure the relative risk ratios (RRRs) of being a former and current user versus never a user of tobacco and e-cigarettes and binomial regression to measure the odds ratios of depression between the LGBTQ and heterosexuals. Results: Current smoking prevalence is higher among LGBTQ participants (17.3%) compared to heterosexuals (11.0%). The disparity is even greater for e-cigarette use, with 7.3% of LGBTQ participants being current users versus 2.8% of heterosexuals and 24.5% of LGBTQ participants being former users compared to 9.3% of heterosexuals. Compared to heterosexuals, the relative risk ratio of being a current tobacco user among the LGBTQ participants was about 1.75 times higher [RRR = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.16, 2.64], and that of e-cigarette use was about 2.8 times higher [RRR = 2.81, 95%CI = 1.57, 5.05]. Among current e-cigarette users, heterosexual participants had 1.9 percentage points [risk difference = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.20, 3.13] higher probability of depression, whereas among the LGBTQ participants, the risk was about 3.7 times higher [OR = 3.67, 95%CI = 1.06, 12.74]. Conclusions: Our findings conclude that the LGBTQ are more likely to use tobacco and e-cigarettes compared to heterosexuals and that the risk of depression from e-cigarette smoking is more pronounced among the LGBTQ participants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities)
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13 pages, 827 KB  
Article
Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Correlates among Male Medical Students at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia
by Abdullah M. Alshahrani, Mohammad S. Al-Shahrani, Elhadi Miskeen, Muffarah Hamid Alharthi, Mohannad Mohammad S. Alamri, Mohammed A. Alqahtani and Mutasim E. Ibrahim
Healthcare 2024, 12(6), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060640 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3330
Abstract
Background: Identifying the potential factors of depression among medical students is the first step towards academic excellence and future safe medical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at the University of Bisha, College of Medicine (UBCOM), [...] Read more.
Background: Identifying the potential factors of depression among medical students is the first step towards academic excellence and future safe medical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at the University of Bisha, College of Medicine (UBCOM), Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia. Male medical students from year one to year six were involved. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about students’ socio-demographic and academic characteristics. The Arabic version of the PHQ-9 scale with a score of ≥10 was used to identify depression. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression. Results: Of the 190 male students enrolled, 26.8% had depressive symptoms, of whom 45.1% were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. The significantly highest depression rate was found among the second-year students, at 43.8% (OR = 2.544; 95% CI 1.178–5.714; p = 0.018), and the lowest rate was found among year one students, at 8.9% (OR = 0.203; 95% CI 0.075–0.560; p = 0.002). Univariate regression revealed a significant correlation between depression and dissatisfaction with family income, loss of family members, having psychological illness, difficulties in personal relationships, regretting studying medicine, failure in an academic year, a lower grade than expected, conflict with tutors, lack of college facilities and heavy academic load. In multivariate analysis, loss of family members (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.86–7.413), difficulties in personal relationships (AOR = 2.371; 95% CI 1.009–5.575), regretting studying medicine (AOR = 3.764; 95% CI 1.657–8.550), and failing an academic year (AOR = 2.559; 95% CI 1.112–5.887) were independently correlated with depression. Conclusions: The study concluded that medical students at UBCOM experience depressive symptoms associated with various risk indicators. Optimizing the educational and social environment and infrastructure facilities at UBCOM might promote students’ mental health and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities)
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9 pages, 761 KB  
Brief Report
Feasibility of an LGBTQ+ Public Health Surveillance Platform in Kentucky: A Brief Report on Mental Health Signals
by Keith J. Watts, Sydney P. Howard, Missy Spears, Carolyn Lauckner, Rachel H. Farr, Glenn Means and Justin X. Moore
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2626; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202626 - 19 Oct 2025
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Robust, state-level LGBTQ+ health surveillance is scarce in Kentucky, limiting evidence-based healthcare planning and policy. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and early public-health utility of a community-partnered annual survey and compare selected mental health stressors between Kentucky and non-Kentucky respondents. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Robust, state-level LGBTQ+ health surveillance is scarce in Kentucky, limiting evidence-based healthcare planning and policy. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and early public-health utility of a community-partnered annual survey and compare selected mental health stressors between Kentucky and non-Kentucky respondents. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey (13 April–15 July 2024) developed with a statewide LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Recruitment occurred via organizational channels and community events. A content warning preceded the survey, which was administered via Qualtrics. Data quality was screened using reCAPTCHA. We assessed feasibility metrics including recruitment and completion rates. Mental health stressors were captured with a six-item scale. Group differences were estimated with Welch’s t-tests. Results: Of 3852 survey starts, 1559 were retained as analyzable completes (completion rate: 40.47%), with 78.7% residing in-state. Initial analysis revealed a significant divergence in mental health patterns: while Kentucky participants reported lower stress regarding their personal mental health, they reported significantly higher stress stemming from socio-political issues like homophobia and transphobia compared to out-of-state respondents. Conclusions: An annual, community-partnered surveillance platform is a feasible strategy for generating actionable mental health signals relevant to healthcare. These findings will inform targeted outreach and guide health system partnerships to enhance LGBTQ+-affirming care in Kentucky. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities)
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20 pages, 696 KB  
Systematic Review
An Examination of the Relationship Between Social Support Networks and Opioid Misuse Among American Indian/Alaska Native Populations: A Systematic Review
by Samuel Asante, Allen Shamow and Eun-Jun Bang
Healthcare 2025, 13(16), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13162072 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 636
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This systematic review addresses the disproportionate impact of the opioid epidemic on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations by examining the socio-ecological and social network factors that influence opioid use and misuse. While previous reviews have largely focused on treatment [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This systematic review addresses the disproportionate impact of the opioid epidemic on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations by examining the socio-ecological and social network factors that influence opioid use and misuse. While previous reviews have largely focused on treatment modalities or structural determinants such as socioeconomic status and rurality, few studies have explored the role of social networks as risk or protective factors, particularly within AI/AN communities. Methods: Applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the review synthesized findings from three scholarly databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, ProQuest), six institutional repositories (e.g., Indigenous Studies Portal), and one academic search engine (Google Scholar). Studies that examined the influence of social network domains on opioid misuse in AI/AN populations in the United States, reported quantitative or qualitative data, and were published between 2010 and 2022 were included in this review. Study quality was assessed with the JBI Checklists for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies and Qualitative Research. Of the 817 articles initially identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria, with most studies focusing on AI/AN adolescents and young adults, a demographic shown to be especially susceptible to opioid misuse. Results: The review identified several social network domains that significantly affect opioid use patterns, including familial relationships, peer associations, community dynamics, educational influences, cultural traditions, social media engagement and the effect of historical and intergenerational trauma. These domains can function either as protective buffers or as contributing factors to opioid misuse. Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for future longitudinal research to elucidate the causal pathways between these social network factors and opioid behaviors, particularly concerning trauma and digital media exposure. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of culturally grounded, evidence-based prevention strategies that address the multifaceted social environments of AI/AN individuals. Such approaches are critical to fostering resilience and mitigating the opioid crisis within these historically marginalized populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Capital, Mental Health and Well-Being among Marginalized Communities)
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