Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objectives: Numbers of older people rapidly increase. Therefore it is important to the health of the elderly. Social capital by providing emotional and mental supports plays an effective role in promoting mental health in older people. So this study examines the factors affecting mental health and its relationship with social capital in the older people of Tehran 9 district. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Tehran 9 district on the older people over 60 years in 2011. 320 participants in this study were selected by multistage random sampling. To assess mental, health General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and to assess social capital, Urban HEART Questionnaire were used. To determine components of social capital, used from exploratory factor analysis. Results: factor analysis determined three factors include individual trust, social cohesion–support and social cohesion-support. That these three components, explained 68.1 percent of the total variance of social capital. There was relationship between mental health and individual trust and social cohesion and support. But there was not relationship between mental health and social trust and collective relations. Conclusion: Whatever the social capital is more, mental health is also better. On the other hand individuals with better mental health, qualified to social responsibility and role in society. This shows that there is a mutual relationship between mental health and social capital. So the promotion each of them can effect on other.