Sense of belonging important to health.

How important is the sense of belonging to a community? A Statistics Canada report points to significant associations between community belonging and self-perceived general health emerged in all provinces, except Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Associations were particularly strong in British Columbia and Ontario.

In British Columbia, 64% of residents with a strong sense of belonging reported excellent or very good general health, compared with 51% among those with a weak sense. In Ontario, the proportions were 64% compared with 55%.

These findings are particularly relevant in view of evidence that self-perceived general health is predictive of chronic disease incidence, use of medical services, recovery from illness, functional decline and mortality.

The study, Community belonging and self-perceived health 2005 reports that nearly two-thirds of Canadians aged 12 and over have a strong sense of belonging to their local community. Residents of Atlantic Canada reported stronger feelings of community belonging, with Newfoundland and Labrador reporting the highest rates in the country.

www.statcan.ca