Individual social capital and self-rated health status across income groups in Türkiye

Social capital is one of the social determinants that influence an individual’s health status. However, the effects of individual social capital on health vary according to individuals’ socioeconomic status. This study examines the effect of individual social capital on subjective health perceptions among different income groups in Türkiye, utilizing the 2018 World Values Survey (WVS) dataset. The sample includes 2,415 individuals aged 18 and over, selected through a multi-stage stratified random sampling method to ensure national representativeness across geographic and demographic strata. Data gathered through face-to-face interviews provides a reliable basis for evaluating the relationship between social, political, and economic attitudes and health outcomes in the Turkish context. The research objective was achieved using an ordered probit regression model. The research findings indicate that having high individual social capital increases the probability of reporting better self-assessed health across all income levels. However, the mathematical magnitude of these probabilities is significantly greater in high-income individuals compared to low-income individuals. The results contribute to the literature by providing significant empirical support for both buffering and dependency theories. In conclusion, it highlights the importance of reducing health inequalities and addressing both social and economic determinants in health management and health policy interventions.