Community belonging and health.

OBJECTIVES

This article explores the relationship between sense of community belonging and self-perceived health.

DATA SOURCE

The data are from the first half of cycle 1.1 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), collected from September 2000 through February 2001.

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

Descriptive information relating socio-demographic variables to sense of community belonging is presented. Multiple logistic regression is used to study the association between sense of community belonging and self-perceived health, while controlling for socio-demographic conditions and other health-related factors.

MAIN RESULTS

Just over half (56%) of Canadians report a strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging to their local community. Community belonging is associated with self-perceived health, even when controlling for socio-economic status, the presence of chronic disease, health behaviours, stress and other factors.