Civic Engagement and Social Connectedness in Rural Communities: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors and Social Determinants of Health in Rural Areas of the United States.

ABSTRACT: This study examined whether civic engagement (CE) and social connectedness (SC) differ by sociodemographic characteristics and social determinants of health (SDOH). Baseline data were drawn from a rural community-randomized controlled trial (n = 2381). Sociodemographic characteristics included sex, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, employment, and income. SDOH measures included food insecurity, having a regular healthcare provider, housing instability, utility shutoffs, transportation access, and government assistance. CE measures included attitudes, behaviors, and mobilization, while SC measures included community health investment, social cohesion, and social networks. Bivariate associations were estimated using linear regression to assess relationships between CE and SC me

SUBMITTER: Lewis EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13309175 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature