Structural Association of Aging and Roles of Physical Activity Programs using Social Network Analysis

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) has many benefits for children and adolescents, yet many do not meet PA recommendations. Social context is important for promoting or discouraging PA among children and adolescents. This review aimed to identify social network variables related to PA among children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in September 2018 using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Included articles needed to (1) be focused on children (aged 5–11 y) or adolescents (aged 12–17 y), (2) include a measure of PA, (3) include a measure of egocentric or sociocentric social connection in which alters were nominated, and (4) perform an analysis between network data and PA. Results: A search of 11,824 articles was refined to a final sample of 29 articles. Social network themes and concepts such as homophily, centrality, and network composition were related to child and adolescent PA behavior across the literature. Conclusions: The impact of an individual’s social network is evident on their PA behaviors. More research is needed to examine why these networks form in relation to PA and how interventions can utilize social network analysis to more effectively promote PA, especially in underserved and minority populations.

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Using Social Network Analysis to Better Understand Compulsive Exercise Behavior Among a Sample of Sorority Members

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0336 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 360-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Megan S. Patterson ◽

Patricia Goodson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Eating Disorders ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Body Dissatisfaction ◽

Group Dynamics ◽

Exercise Behavior ◽

Quadratic Assignment ◽

Compulsive Exercise

Background:Compulsive exercise, a form of unhealthy exercise often associated with prioritizing exercise and feeling guilty when exercise is missed, is a common precursor to and symptom of eating disorders. College-aged women are at high risk of exercising compulsively compared with other groups. Social network analysis (SNA) is a theoretical perspective and methodology allowing researchers to observe the effects of relational dynamics on the behaviors of people.Methods:SNA was used to assess the relationship between compulsive exercise and body dissatisfaction, physical activity, and network variables. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS, and quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) analyses were conducted using UCINET.Results:QAP regression analysis revealed a statistically significant model (R2 = .375, P < .0001) predicting compulsive exercise behavior. Physical activity, body dissatisfaction, and network variables were statistically significant predictor variables in the QAP regression model.Discussion:In our sample, women who are connected to “important” or “powerful” people in their network are likely to have higher compulsive exercise scores. This result provides healthcare practitioners key target points for intervention within similar groups of women. For scholars researching eating disorders and associated behaviors, this study supports looking into group dynamics and network structure in conjunction with body dissatisfaction and exercise frequency.

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Understanding Prevention Networks in a Local Government Area: Insights From a Social Network Analysis Among Western Australian Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Programs

Health Promotion Practice ◽

10.1177/15248399211050661 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 152483992110506

Author(s):

Jonine Jancey ◽

Abbie-Clare Vidler ◽

Justine E. Leavy ◽

Dan Chamberlain ◽

Therese Riley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Local Government ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Local Government Area ◽

Prevention Activities ◽

Bounded Area ◽

Western Australian

This study aimed to use systems thinking tools to understand network relationships to inform discussions, policy, and practice to improve nutrition, physical activity, and overweight/obesity prevention activities in a Western Australian local government area. An audit of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention activities was conducted, and identified organizations were invited to participate in an organizational network survey. Social network analysis (SNA) determined the extent to which organizations shared information, knowledge, and resources; engaged in joint program planning; applied for and shared funding; and identified operational barriers and contributors. SNA data were mapped and analyzed using UCINET 6 and Netdraw software. Five organizations within the network were identified as core; the remainder were periphery. The strongest networks were sharing information, and the weakest was funding. The connections were centralized to one organization, enabling them to readily influence other organizations and network operations. Remaining organizations indicated limited partnership across the networks. Strengthened collaborations and partnerships are essential to health promotion, as they extend reach and organizational capabilities. This study provides a process for undertaking network analysis, identifying leverage points to facilitate communication and information sharing, and reorienting of collaborations and partnerships to consolidate scarce resources and act strategically within a bounded area. There is a need for stronger relationships between organizations and a reorientation of partnerships to facilitate resource sharing within the local government area, to improve nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention practices. SNA can assist in understanding organizational prevention networks within a bounded area to support future planning of practices and policy.

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Assessing Social Network Influences on Adult Physical Activity Using Social Network Analysis: A Systematic Review

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/08901171211060701 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089011712110607

Author(s):

Tyler Prochnow ◽

Megan S. Patterson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Network Size ◽

Individual Level ◽

Final Sample ◽

Complex Picture

Objective Social network analysis (SNA) can measure social connectedness and assess impact of interpersonal connections on health behaviors, including physical activity (PA). This paper aims to systematically review adult PA studies using SNA to understand important social network concepts relative to PA. Data Source A search was performed using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria To be included in the search, articles needed to 1) include a measure of PA, 2) conduct an SNA in which specific relationships were measured, and 3) conduct an analysis between social network measures and PA. Data Extraction Key study elements including network design and results were extracted. Data Synthesis Data were synthesized to answer 2 questions: 1) how has adult PA been investigated using SNA approaches and 2) how is an adult’s social network associated with PA behaviors? Results A final sample of 28 articles remained from an initial 11 085 articles. Network size, homophily, network composition, and network exposure to PA were all associated with individual level PA across studies. Lastly, longitudinal and intervention studies showed a more complex picture of social influence and diffusion of PA behavior. Conclusions Adults’ PA behaviors are influenced by their networks. Capitalizing on this influence, researchers should engage not just individual behavior change but also the social influences present within the person’s life.

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Assembling the Puzzle for Promoting Physical Activity in Brazil: A Social Network Analysis

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.7.s2.s242 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (s2) ◽

pp. S242-S252 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ross C. Brownson ◽

Diana C. Parra ◽

Marsela Dauti ◽

Jenine K. Harris ◽

Pedro C. Hallal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Research Education ◽

Significant Public Health Problem ◽

Significant Public Health

Background:Physical inactivity is a significant public health problem in Brazil that may be addressed by partnerships and networks. In conjunction with Project GUIA (Guide for Useful Interventions for Physical Activity in Brazil and Latin America), the aim of this study was to conduct a social network analysis of physical activity in Brazil.Methods:An online survey was completed by 28 of 35 organizations contacted from December 2008 through March 2009. Network analytic methods examined measures of collaboration, importance, leadership, and attributes of the respondent and organization.Results:Leadership nominations for organizations studied ranged from 0 to 23. Positive predictors of collaboration included: south region, GUIA membership, years working in physical activity, and research, education, and promotion/practice areas of physical activity. The most frequently reported barrier to collaboration was bureaucracy.Conclusion:Social network analysis identified factors that are likely to improve collaboration among organizations in Brazil.

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Adolescent Friendships, BMI, and Physical Activity: Untangling Selection and Influence Through Longitudinal Social Network Analysis

Journal of Research on Adolescence ◽

10.1111/j.1532-7795.2012.00836.x ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 537-549 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

Sandra D. Simpkins ◽

David R. Schaefer ◽

Chara D. Price ◽

Andrea E. Vest

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Adolescent Friendships

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Supporting Cross-Company Networks in Workplace Health Promotion through Social Network Analysis—Description of the Methodological Approach and First Results from a Model Project on Physical Activity Promotion in Germany

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136874 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6874

Author(s):

Andrea Schaller ◽

Gabriele Fohr ◽

Carina Hoffmann ◽

Gerrit Stassen ◽

Bert Droste-Franke

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Network Analysis ◽

Network Analysis ◽

Workplace Health Promotion ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Workplace Health ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

First Results

Cross-company networking and counseling is considered to be a promising approach for workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. However, a systematic and empirical approach on how such networks can be developed is lacking. The aims of the present paper are to describe the approach of a social network analysis supporting the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity and to present first results. In the process of developing the methodological approach, a common understanding of the nodes and edges within the project was elaborated. Based on the BIG-model as the theoretical framework of the project, five measuring points and an application-oriented data collection table were determined. Using Gephi, network size, degree, and distance measures, as well as density and clustering measures, were calculated and visualized in the course of the time. First results showed a continuous expansion and densification of the network. The application experience showed that the application of social network analysis in practical cross-company network development is promising but currently still very resource intensive. In order to address the current major challenges and enable routine application, the development of an application-oriented and feasible tool could make an essential contribution.

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