Social Capital and COVID-19 Pandemic Relationship in Latin America.

This study examines how structural, relational, and cognitive dimensions of social capital influenced public responses to COVID-19 in 18 Latin American countries. Using Latinobarometer survey data from 2018, 2020, and 2023. This estimates multivariate Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models to assess associations between social capital and behaviors, such as risk perception, preventive measures, and evaluation of government response. Relational social capital-particularly institutional trust-was consistently associated with greater compliance with preventive measures. Cognitive and structural dimensions showed mixed effects depending on the national context. The SUR model improved efficiency and revealed stronger associations across interrelated outcomes. Social capital is a key but context-dependent factor in crisis response. Strengthening institutional trust and civic networks can enhance collective resilience. These findings underscore the need for tailored, context-sensitive community interventions in public health emergencies.