Egocentric networks and physical activity outcomes in Latinas

Abstract

ObjectiveDespite data linking the social environment to physical inactivity in Latinas, research on social network predictors of physical activity (PA) is limited. This study examined social network predictors of PA change in Latinas.MethodsEgocentric network data were collected from 102 adult Latinas (egos) participating in a randomized controlled PA intervention trial for underactive women. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured in minutes per week using the 7-Day PA Recall Interview and accelerometers at baseline and 12 months. Analyses characterized social network structure, composition, tie strength, homogeneity, and support for PA and determined the relationship between network characteristics and PA outcomes.ResultsNetworks had an average of four social ties (alters). Networks were high in density and transitivity and low in components, indicating high cohesion. Networks were primarily composed of females, Latinos, Spanish-speakers, and family members. Relationship ties were strong as evidenced by close living proximity, in-person contact, high emotional closeness, and long relationship duration. There was high homogeneity in demographics and PA behaviors. Multivariate analyses revealed that network size, familial ties, contact frequency, and ego-alter dissimilarities in age and running but similarities in walking, were associated with increased MVPA. Networks high in support for PA in the form of complimenting ego on exercise, taking over chores to allow ego to exercise, and co-participating with ego in exercise were also associated with greater MVPA.ConclusionThese findings contribute to better understanding interpersonal processes that may influence behavior change in a group with especially low levels of PA.

Friends, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in university students: A social network analysis

“…These findings are confirmed by previous studies. 16,31,35 Studies have indicated that the company of peers increases physical activity, 36 as well as sedentary behavior. 37 In consequence, friends' behavior represents an important resource for physical activity and sedentary behavior.…”

Egocentric Health Networks and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the ECHORN Cohort Study

“…48 More recent evidence from Marquez et al (2018) showed larger networks were associated with increased moderate to vigorous exercise. 49 While mechanisms that explain this association are still under-theorized, some evidence suggests that larger networks provide greater social support by increasing opportunities and tangible/ instrumental support that promote physical activity. [49][50][51] Larger network sizes have also been shown to facilitate mirroring or aspirations related to body size and exercise.…”

“…49 While mechanisms that explain this association are still under-theorized, some evidence suggests that larger networks provide greater social support by increasing opportunities and tangible/ instrumental support that promote physical activity. [49][50][51] Larger network sizes have also been shown to facilitate mirroring or aspirations related to body size and exercise. 51 Larger networks provide emotional support that is associated with health screening and diagnosis.…”

“…Findings on the benefit of network approaches for health behavior intervention are mixed, however there is some evidence to suggest utility of network approaches to increase healthful behaviors. 21,23,49,[61][62][63] Given the resource limited contexts, health network ties could serve as an important source of health information and resources. 64 The identification of health network approaches to promote health in the region could have immeasurable benefit.…”

Assessing Egocentered Social Networks in formr: A Tutorial

“…Third, you will need to specify how many people your participants will be allowed to list as their network. For a first orientation, you may want to consult previous studies that have employed egocentered networks (e.g., Armstrong & Kammrath, 2015;Aschbrenner et al, 2018;Asendorpf & Wilpers, 1998;Borschel et al, 2019;Greischel, Noack, & Neyer, 2016Marquez et al, 2018;Wyngaerden et al, 2019;Zimmermann & Neyer, 2013) for typical as well as maximum network sizes. Another way to approach this is to pilot your method of assessing your network of interest (including your name generators) in a small sample of face-to-face interviews.…”