Identification of Network Promoters in a Regional and Intersectoral Health Promotion Network: A Qualitative Social Network Analysis in Southern Germany

Fleuren, Tobias; Thiel, Ansgar; Frahsa, Annika

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168372

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 59 publications

(83 reference statements)

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“…SNA has been increasingly used in many areas of public health research to visualize and examine interorganizational cooperation [ 22 , 41 , 49 ] addressing, for example, tobacco control [ 50 ], child abuse prevention [ 51 ], HIV services [ 52 ], health policy [ 53 ], mental health services [ 54 ], and the physical and social health of senior citizens [ 55 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community networks of sport and physical activity promotion: an analysis of structural properties and conditions of cooperation

et al. 2022

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Background: The importance of intersectoral cooperation networks among community organizations located in people’s immediate environments in addressing population health problems such as physical inactivity has come into focus in recent years. To date, there is limited evidence on how and why such networks emerge. Therefore, the aims of this study were (a) to analyze the structural properties and (b) to identify the conditions of cooperation in interorganizational community networks of sport and physical activity promotion. Methods: Survey data on cooperative relationships and organizational attributes of sports and physical activity providers as well as sports administrating organizations in two community networks located in urban districts in southern Germany were collected (Network I: n = 133 organizations; Network II: n = 50 organizations). Two quantitative descriptive procedures – network analysis and stochastic analyses of network modeling (exponential random graphs) – were applied. Results: Similar structures and conditions of cooperation were found in the networks (e.g. low density, centralization). The community sports administrations had the most central positions in both networks. Exponential random graph modeling showed that cooperation took place more frequently in triangular structures (closure effect) and revolved around a few central actors (preferential attachment effect). Organizations from different sectors cooperated more often than organizations from the same sector (heterophily effect). Conclusion: The study provided valid and robust findings on significant mechanisms and conditions of interorganizational cooperation in community networks focused on sport and physical activity promotion. Based on the results, implications for the development and most efficient governance of these networks can be derived.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community networks of sport and physical activity promotion: an analysis of structural properties and conditions of cooperation

et al. 2022

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“…Third, data were collected from only eight interviews. The sample size was similar to studies using the same methods for breastfeeding policies in Ghana and intersectoral cooperation in health promotion in Southern Germany ( 16 , 31 ). At the same time, Net-map activities involve subjective experiences that may influence the perception of networks.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stakeholder Network Analysis for Front-of-Pack Labeling in China

Yin

Xin

et al. 2022

Front. Nutr.

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BackgroundFront-of-pack (FoP) labeling on packaged foods is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce diet-related non-communicable diseases, but it has not yet been implemented in China. The introduction of FoP labeling is driven by multiple institutions and stakeholders. This study aimed to identify key institutional actors involved in FoP labeling and describe links between actors to support future FoP labeling policies and programmes in China.MethodsThe Net-Map method was adopted. We conducted Net-map activities with eight participants using face-to-face interviews between November 2020 and May 2021. Participants were asked to identify actors involved in the development and implementation of FoP labeling in China, describe networks among actors according to pre-defined link types (command, dissemination, funding, and technical assistance), and estimate influence of each actor within the FoP labeling landscape. Social network analysis measures of cohesion and centrality were used to describe each network. Gephi software was used for social network analysis and network visualization.ResultsForty-one unique actors were identified across seven actor categories including government agencies (n = 14), technical support agencies (n = 7), professional associations (n = 10), food industry groups (n = 2), media groups (n = 4), international organizations (n = 3), and a consumer group (n = 1). Weighted influence scores among actors ranged from 0.13 to 3.13. The Department of Food Safety Standards, Risk Surveillance and Assessment of the National Health Commission (DFSSRSA of NHC) was the actor with the highest weighted influence score, followed by the Bureau of Disease Prevention and Control of National Health Commission, Chinese Nutrition Society, and the National Institute for Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. DFSSRSA of NHC played a central role in both command and technical assistance networks. State-owned media had the greatest betweenness and outdegree centrality in the dissemination network. The Chinese Nutrition Society was in the central position and provided funding to diverse actors in the funding network.ConclusionsA variety of multisectoral actors have an interest in the introduction of FoP labeling policies and programmes. Effectively engaging key actors identified in this study can generate a multisectoral commitment to advance FoP labeling policies and programmes in China.

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“…Cross-sector collaboration is based on the idea that multiple sectors share resources, information and activities in order to achieve an outcome, like improved health for a certain population, that could not be achieved by the organizations in one sector alone [14]. This collaboration has been studied widely, providing insights in preconditions for collaboration, enablers, barriers and the link between them [11,12,[15][16][17][18][19]. A common understanding in these studies is that successful cross-sector collaboration cannot simply be achieved by addressing a list of enablers or applying certain strategies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How to collaborate for health throughout the project timeline – a longitudinal study reflecting on implemented strategies in three projects for a healthy living environment

et al. 2023

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Background When improving the health of local and regional populations, cross-sector collaboration between different policy domains, non-governmental organisations and citizens themselves is needed. Previously, enabling factors and strategies have been identified to improve cross-sector collaboration for health. However, few longitudinal studies have been conducted to understand how the implementation of strategies for cross-sector collaboration changes throughout the collaboration process. The aim of this study is therefore to learn more about the different strategies that were implemented throughout three cross-sector collaboration projects for a healthy living environment. Methods The realist evaluation approach was used to understand how the implemented strategies worked, in which context, why and with what outcomes. Project partners were asked to reflect on their implemented strategies at two different moments in the project timelines, and quarterly updates with project leaders were held. In addition two reference panels were organised for data triangulation. Results Three key insights for successful cross-sector collaboration throughout projects for a healthy living environment were identified, namely 1. Investing in trust among the partners and faith in the project has a positive influence on continuing the collaboration throughout the project; 2. Making stakeholders actively participate throughout the project requires additional strategies after the onset of the project, and 3. Defining roles, tasks, and other prerequisites at the start of the project helps in pursuing the project over time, but needs re-examination throughout the project. These key insights were based on multiple examples of implemented strategies, linked to context, mechanisms and outcomes. Conclusions This study shows the different strategies that can be employed as the collaboration in projects for a healthy living environment progresses. We found that ‘trust’ does not merely include the relationships built between the partners, but at the onset of projects can also be based on faith in the project itself. In addition, as it can be difficult to foresee the right investments and strategies at the onset of the project, frequent reflection moments to choose fitting strategies might benefit regional partners in their cross-sector collaboration for health.

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Identification of Network Promoters in a Regional and Intersectoral Health Promotion Network: A Qualitative Social Network Analysis in Southern Germany

Cited by 4 publications

References 59 publications

Community networks of sport and physical activity promotion: an analysis of structural properties and conditions of cooperation

Community networks of sport and physical activity promotion: an analysis of structural properties and conditions of cooperation

Stakeholder Network Analysis for Front-of-Pack Labeling in China

How to collaborate for health throughout the project timeline – a longitudinal study reflecting on implemented strategies in three projects for a healthy living environment

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