Community social capital and mental health participation: Test of psychosocial mediators in two resource-poor urban communities in Ghana

We utilised a multiple mediation model to investigate the pathways linking dimensions of community social capital to collective participation in mental health promotion in two urban communities in Ghana. Participants (n = 384) were from Jamestown (n = 144) and Usshertown (n = 240) communities (female = 55.7%; mean age = 34.38 years, SD = 14.37 years). Structural equation modelling showed that shared concern and leadership trust directly facilitated mental health participation, whereas social cohesion had a direct negative impact on it. Interpersonal trust and critical consciousness partially mediated the effects of social cohesion and shared concern on mental health participation. Our study underscores the importance of considering not only the structural aspects of community social capital but also the interpersonal dynamics and individual perceptions that underpin collective action. These insights inform the development of more effective community-based interventions aimed at enhancing mental health outcomes in resource-poor urban settings.