Dimensions of Social Capital Associated with the Presence and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adolescents

Background Social capital (SC) is a recognized social determinant of health, and its influence chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adolescents remains poorly explored. Understanding this association may help identify modifiable social factors that shape early kidney health. Methods A case-control study involving 96 adolescents with CKD (aged 12 to 17 years) and 288 adolescents without CKD (controls: school children, family members, and community members). Data was collected using instruments to assess SC, social deprivation, and CKD risk factors. Associations between SC dimensions and CKD presence were analyzed using binary logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios, ORa), while CKD risk levels were examined with ordinal logistic regression (proportional odds ratio, ORp). The preventable fraction was estimated to evaluate the potential impact of protective SC dimensions. Results The study sample was 55.5% female, with a mean age of 14.9 years. Eleven of fifteen SC dimensions showed a significant protective association with CKD presence (ORa 0.58–0.85), and four dimensions were associated with reduced CKD risk (ORp 0.59–0.86). The preventable fraction for these protective dimensions ranged from 0.14 to 0.43, indicating a probable potential for prevention through social interventions. Conclusions Higher levels of social capital were consistently associated with lower CKD risk among adolescents. These findings suggest that strengthening the SC dimensions could serve as innovative public health strategies to reduce CKD prevalence and promote adolescent health.