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Nixon P, Broccatelli C, Moss P, Baggio S, Young A, Newcomb D. Healthcare social network research and the ECHO model™: Exploring a community of practice to support cultural brokers and transfer cultural knowledge. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:558. [PMID: 38693520 PMCID: PMC11062014 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11024-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Project ECHO® networks at Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) are communities of practice designed to mitigate services and systems fragmentation by building collaborative partnerships addressing priority child and youth health needs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience the negative impacts of fragmentation in addition to historical challenges of absent or culturally inappropriate health services. Access to culturally safe and responsive services can be improved by engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and similar roles in an online community of practice, supporting the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers in decisions affecting their health. Analysing professional support networks and knowledge sharing patterns helps identify enablers and barriers to partnerships. Using social network research, the multilevel network inclusive of ECHO network members and their colleagues was studied to identify interdisciplinary and cross-sector advice exchange patterns, explore the position of cultural brokers and identify common relational tendencies. METHODS Social network theories and methods informed the collection of network data and analysis of advice-seeking relationships among ECHO network members and their nominees. Registered members from two ECHO networks were invited to complete the Qualtrics survey. Networks analysed comprised 398 professionals from mainstream health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation, education, disability and child safety service settings. RESULTS Brokers were well represented, both those who hold knowledge brokerage positions as well as cultural brokers who incorporate clinical and cultural knowledge enabling holistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (38 individuals, 17% of network). Professionals who occupy brokerage positions outside the ECHO network tend to be more connected with co-members within the network. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first application of contemporary social network theories and methods to investigate an ECHO network. The findings highlight the connectivity afforded by brokers, enabling the coordination and collaboration necessary for effective care integration. Inclusion of cultural brokers in an ECHO network provides sustained peer group support while also cultivating relationships that facilitate the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Nixon
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.
| | - Chiara Broccatelli
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, QLD, 4068, Australia
| | - Perrin Moss
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah Baggio
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Angela Young
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Dana Newcomb
- Integrated Care, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
- General Practice Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia
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Luke DA, Tsai E, Carothers BJ, Malone S, Prusaczyk B, Combs TB, Vogel MT, Neal JW, Neal ZP. Introducing SoNHR-Reporting guidelines for Social Networks In Health Research. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285236. [PMID: 38096166 PMCID: PMC10721040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The overall goal of this work is to produce a set of recommendations (SoNHR-Social Networks in Health Research) that will improve the reporting and dissemination of social network concepts, methods, data, and analytic results within health sciences research. METHODS This study used a modified-Delphi approach for recommendation development consistent with best practices suggested by the EQUATOR health sciences reporting guidelines network. An initial set of 28 reporting recommendations was developed by the author team. A group of 67 (of 147 surveyed) experienced network and health scientists participated in an online feedback survey. They rated the clarity and importance of the individual recommendations, and provided qualitative feedback on the coverage, usability, and dissemination opportunities of the full set of recommendations. After examining the feedback, a final set of 18 recommendations was produced. RESULTS The final SoNHR reporting guidelines are comprised of 18 recommendations organized within five domains: conceptualization (how study research questions are linked to network conceptions or theories), operationalization (how network science portions of the study are defined and operationalized), data collection & management (how network data are collected and managed), analyses & results (how network results are analyzed, visualized, and reported), and ethics & equity (how network-specific human subjects, equity, and social justice concerns are reported). We also present a set of exemplar published network studies which can be helpful for seeing how to apply the SoNHR recommendations in research papers. Finally, we discuss how different audiences can use these reporting guidelines. CONCLUSIONS These are the first set of formal reporting recommendations of network methods in the health sciences. Consistent with EQUATOR goals, these network reporting recommendations may in time improve the quality, consistency, and replicability of network science across a wide variety of important health research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Luke
- Center for Public Health Systems Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Edward Tsai
- Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Bobbi J Carothers
- Center for Public Health Systems Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Sara Malone
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Beth Prusaczyk
- Institute for Informatics, Data Science, and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Todd B Combs
- Center for Public Health Systems Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Mia T Vogel
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Watling Neal
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Zachary P Neal
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
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Mukinda FK, Djellouli N, Akter K, Sarker M, Tufa AA, Mwandira K, Seruwagi G, Kyamulabi A, Mwaba K, Marchant T, Shawar YR, English M, Namakula H, Gonfa G, Colbourn T, Kinney MV. Individual interactions in a multi-country implementation-focused quality of care network for maternal, newborn and child health: A social network analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001769. [PMID: 37733733 PMCID: PMC10513266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (QCN) was established to build a cross-country platform for joint-learning around quality improvement implementation approaches to reduce mortality. This paper describes and explores the structure of the QCN in four countries and at global level. Using Social Network Analysis (SNA), this cross-sectional study maps the QCN networks at global level and in four countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi and Uganda) and assesses the interactions among actors involved. A pre-tested closed-ended structured questionnaire was completed by 303 key actors in early 2022 following purposeful and snowballing sampling. Data were entered into an online survey tool, and exported into Microsoft Excel for data management and analysis. This study received ethical approval as part of a broader evaluation. The SNA identified 566 actors across the four countries and at global level. Bangladesh, Malawi and Uganda had multiple-hub networks signifying multiple clusters of actors reflecting facility or district networks, whereas the network in Ethiopia and at global level had more centralized networks. There were some common features across the country networks, such as low overall density of the network, engagement of actors at all levels of the system, membership of related committees identified as the primary role of actors, and interactions spanning all types (learning, action and information sharing). The most connected actors were facility level actors in all countries except Ethiopia, which had mostly national level actors. The results reveal the uniqueness and complexity of each network assessed in the evaluation. They also affirm the broader qualitative evaluation assessing the nature of these networks, including composition and leadership. Gaps in communication between members of the network and limited interactions of actors between countries and with global level actors signal opportunities to strengthen QCN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nehla Djellouli
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kohenour Akter
- Perinatal Care Project, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mithun Sarker
- Perinatal Care Project, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Gloria Seruwagi
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kyamulabi
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kasonde Mwaba
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tanya Marchant
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yusra R. Shawar
- Department of International Health, School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- School of Advanced International Studies, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Mike English
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hilda Namakula
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Geremew Gonfa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary V. Kinney
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Li B, Alharbi M, Allender S, Swinburn B, Peters R, Foster C. Comprehensive application of a systems approach to obesity prevention: a scoping review of empirical evidence. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1015492. [PMID: 37614454 PMCID: PMC10442543 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1015492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A systems approach to obesity prevention is increasingly urged. However, confusion exists on what a systems approach entails in practice, and the empirical evidence on this new approach is unclear. This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesise studies/programmes that have comprehensively applied a systems approach to obesity prevention in intervention development, delivery/implementation, and evaluation. By searching international databases and grey literature, only three studies (10 publications) met inclusion criteria, which might be explained partially by suboptimal reporting. No conclusion on the effectiveness of this approach can be drawn yet due to the limited evidence base. We identified common features shared by the included studies, such as measuring ongoing changes, in addition to endpoint outcomes, and supporting capacity building. Some facilitators and barriers to applying a comprehensive systems approach in practice were identified. More well-designed and reported studies are needed, especially from low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Li
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Alharbi
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Allender
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Remco Peters
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie Foster
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Aguirre MDJX, Drumond Andrade FC, Aguirre MAC, Justino JR, Maciel BLL. Social Network, Food Patterns, Physical Activity and Associations with Overweight and Obesity in Adolescents from a School in Rural Brazil. Nutrients 2023; 15:3305. [PMID: 37571243 PMCID: PMC10421155 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the social network, food patterns, physical activity, and their associations with overweight/obesity in adolescents from a school in rural Brazil. Students from a rural school in Northeast Brazil (n = 90) completed questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, food consumption, physical activity, and a name generator. Social networks were constructed using students' social proximity ties. Principal component analysis was performed to determine food patterns, and logistic models were used to investigate variables associated with overweight/obesity. Most participants were girls (62.9%), and the proportion of overweight/obesity was 30% among adolescents. Students cited 2070 people from their networks (family, friends at school, friends outside of school, and others). Among them, the family had the highest degree of influence (61%) in the network and had the most shared meals with adolescents (47%). Adolescents' perception of their family members' body size as obese, compared to normal or underweight, was prevalent (51%). Adolescents with unhealthy food patterns were 72% more likely to be categorized as overweight/obese, and eigenvector centrality was also associated with overweight/obesity (OR = 5.88, 95% CI = 1.08-32.03). Adolescents presented a social network with strong family influence, in which a high percentage of overweight/obesity was observed. Adolescents with high eigenvector centrality were more likely to be in the overweight/obesity category. Additionally, overweight/obesity was associated with unhealthy food patterns in the family network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Josivan Ribeiro Justino
- Computer Science Academic Department, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho 76808-695, Brazil
| | - Bruna Leal Lima Maciel
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
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Aboah J, Ngom B, Emes E, Fall AG, Seydi M, Faye A, Dione M. Mapping the effect of antimicrobial resistance in poultry production in Senegal: an integrated system dynamics and network analysis approach. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1189109. [PMID: 37519996 PMCID: PMC10374361 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1189109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) extends beyond the farm-level to other stakeholders warranting the need for a collaborative approach to combat AMR while optimising production objectives and safeguarding human health. This study maps out the effect of AMR originating from poultry production in Senegal and highlights the entry points for interventions from stakeholders' perspectives. A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed following a group model building procedure with 20 stakeholders and integrated with network analysis by translating the CLD into an unweighted directed network. Results indicate that with an eigenvector centrality of 1, 0.85, and 0.74, the production cost, on-farm profit, and on-farm productivity, respectively are the most ranked influential variables driving the complexity of AMR in the poultry production system. Two reinforcing feedback loops highlight the dual benefits of improving on-farm productivity and increasing on-farm profit. However, one balancing feedback loop that revolves around the causal link between producers' investment in qualified human resource personnel to ensure good farm management practices underline the financial implication of producers' investment decisions. The findings provide precursory groundings for the development of a quantitative SD model, the formulation of intervention scenarios and ex-ante impact assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Aboah
- International Livestock Research Institute (Senegal), Saint-Louis, Senegal
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Babacar Ngom
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Productions, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Eves Emes
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Awa Gueye Fall
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Productions, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Moutar Seydi
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Productions, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ardiouma Faye
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Département de Sociologie, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Michel Dione
- International Livestock Research Institute (Senegal), Saint-Louis, Senegal
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Bogt MJJT, Bevelander KE, Tholen L, Molleman GRM, van den Muijsenbergh M, Fransen GAJ. Leverage point themes within Dutch municipalities' healthy weight approaches: A qualitative study from a systems perspective. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287050. [PMID: 37310977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite all efforts of national and local approaches, obesity rates continue to rise worldwide. It is increasingly recognized that the complexity of obesity should be further addressed by incorporating a systems perspective when implementing approaches. Such an approach has four interconnected system levels: events, structures, goals, and beliefs, in which small changes ('leverage points') can lead to substantial changes in the functioning of the entire system. The current research examined the functioning of five Dutch municipalities' healthy weight approaches (HWAs) and the leverage point themes that can be identified in their system. METHODS Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders about the HWA, including policy advisors, care professionals, practice professionals, and citizens. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: 1) HWA organization structure, 2) collaboration between professionals, and 3) citizen participation. Across all system levels, we identified leverage point themes. The upper-levels events and structures occurred the most and were explained by underlying goals and beliefs. Leverage point themes regarding "HWA organization structure" were municipal processes, such as perceived impact; diversity of themes, activities, and tasks; network; and communication strategies, such as messages about the HWA. Leverage point themes regarding "collaboration between professionals" were linking pins, indicating central players within the network; motivation and commitment including support base; and stimulating one another to work on the HWA by spurring other professionals into action. Lastly, leverage point themes under "citizen participation" included reaching the target group, e.g., look for entry points; and citizens' motivation, including customization. DISCUSSION This paper provides unique insights into HWAs' leverage point themes that can lead to substantial changes in how the entire system functions and makes suggestions about underlying leverage points to help stakeholders improve their HWA. Future research could focus on studying leverage points within leverage point themes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud J J Ter Bogt
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten E Bevelander
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Tholen
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard R M Molleman
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria van den Muijsenbergh
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Pharos, The Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerdine A J Fransen
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Lee BY, Greene D, Scannell SA, McLaughlin C, Martinez MF, Heneghan JL, Chin KL, Zheng X, Li R, Lindenfeld L, Bartsch SM. The Need for Systems Approaches for Precision Communications in Public Health. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:13-24. [PMID: 37390012 PMCID: PMC10373800 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2220668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge in communicating health-related information is the involvement of multiple complex systems from the creation of the information to the sources and channels of dispersion to the information users themselves. To date, public health communications approaches have often not adequately accounted for the complexities of these systems to the degree necessary to have maximum impact. The virality of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation has brought to light the need to consider these system complexities more extensively. Unaided, it is difficult for humans to see and fully understand complex systems. Luckily, there are a range of systems approaches and methods, such as systems mapping and systems modeling, that can help better elucidate complex systems. Using these methods to better characterize the various systems involved in communicating public health-related information can lead to the development of more tailored, precise, and proactive communications. Proceeding in an iterative manner to help design, implement, and adjust such communications strategies can increase impact and leave less opportunity for misinformation and disinformation to spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Y. Lee
- Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Greene
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Sheryl A. Scannell
- Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Christopher McLaughlin
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Marie F. Martinez
- Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jessie L. Heneghan
- Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Kevin L. Chin
- Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Xia Zheng
- School of Communication & Journalism, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Ruobing Li
- School of Communication & Journalism, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Laura Lindenfeld
- School of Communication & Journalism, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sarah M. Bartsch
- Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research (PHICOR), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
- New York City Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York City, NY, USA
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Network Analysis for a Community-Based School- and Family-Based Obesity Prevention Program. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081501. [PMID: 36011157 PMCID: PMC9408267 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rising childhood obesity with its detrimental health consequences poses a challenge to the health care system. Community-based, multi-setting interventions with the participatory involvement of relevant stakeholders are emerging as promising. To gain insights into the structural and processual characteristics of stakeholder networks, conducting a network analysis (NA) is advisable. Within the program “Family+—Healthy Living Together in Families and Schools”, a network analysis was conducted in two rural model regions and one urban model region. Relevant stakeholders were identified in 2020–2021 through expert interviews and interviewed by telephone to elicit key variables such as frequency of contact and intensity of collaboration. Throughout the NA, characteristics such as density, centrality, and connectedness were analyzed and are presented graphically. Due to the differences in the number of inhabitants and the rural or urban structure of the model regions, the three networks (network#1, network#2, and network#3) included 20, 14, and 12 stakeholders, respectively. All networks had similar densities (network#1, 48%; network#2, 52%; network#3, 42%), whereas the degree centrality of network#1 (0.57) and network#3 (0.58) was one-third higher compared with network#2 (0.39). All three networks differed in the distribution of stakeholders in terms of field of expertise and structural orientation. On average, stakeholders exchanged information quarterly and were connected on an informal level. Based on the results of the NA, it appears to be useful to initialize a community health facilitator to involve relevant stakeholders from the education, sports, and health systems in projects and to strive for the goal of sustainable health promotion, regardless of the rural or urban structure of the region. Participatory involvement of relevant stakeholders can have a positive influence on the effective dissemination of information and networking with other stakeholders.
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Simpson VL, Hass ZJ, Panchal J, McGowan B. Understanding the Development, Evaluation, and Sustainability of Community Health Networks Using Social Network Analysis: A Scoping Review. Am J Health Promot 2021; 36:318-327. [PMID: 34865522 DOI: 10.1177/08901171211045984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify the scope of the literature which reports use of social network analysis to inform, support, or evaluate health promotion-focused community network/partnership development. DATA SOURCE A comprehensive search (not date-limited) of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library Database for Systematic Reviews. INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA Criteria for inclusion included published in the English language and used social network analysis to inform, support, or evaluate development of community networks/partnerships aiding health promotion efforts. Studies were excluded if they did not use social network analysis or were not focused upon health promotion. DATA EXTRACTION Three of the four authors extracted data using a summary chart to document information regarding study aims, target issue/population, methods, and key outcomes of the social network analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS The extracted data were qualitatively analyzed by 3 authors to categorize key social network analysis outcomes into categories. RESULTS Ninety-seven studies representing 9 geographical regions were included, with the majority (69) published after 2010. Key outcomes included the effectiveness of social network analysis to identify network characteristics, track network change over time, compare similar networks across locations, and correlate network attributes with outcomes. CONCLUSION Findings support the utility of social network analysis to inform, support, and evaluate development of sustainable health promotion-focused networks/partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary Joseph Hass
- Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering Core Faculty, Schools of Nursing and Industrial Engineering, 311308Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jitesh Panchal
- School of Mechanical Engineering, 311308Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Bethany McGowan
- Libraries and School of Information Studies, 311308Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Korn AR, Hammond RA, Hennessy E, Must A, Pachucki MC, Economos CD. Evolution of a Coalition Network during a Whole-of-Community Intervention to Prevent Early Childhood Obesity. Child Obes 2021; 17:379-390. [PMID: 33761266 PMCID: PMC8390774 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2020.0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Community coalitions often lead and coordinate "whole-of-community" childhood obesity prevention interventions. A growing body of work suggests that coalition network ties, which facilitate transmission of information and advocacy, may be a key part of how such leadership operates. This study provides an understanding of the structure of coalition networks and how this structure changes over time. Methods: We administered semiannual network surveys during a pilot whole-of-community intervention in Somerville, MA (2015-2017). Participants included 16 multisector coalition members and their nominated discussion partners ("first-degree alters") related to childhood obesity prevention. Coalition and first-degree alter respondents named up to 20 discussion partners and reported ties' interaction frequency and perceived influence. Networks were assessed with visualization, descriptive analysis, and exponential random graph models. Results: Total network included 558 stakeholders representing community-based organizations, parents, health care, childcare, universities, among others. Size and membership varied over time. We observed the largest network (n = 256) during intervention planning, and the largest proportion of stakeholders communicating frequently (daily/weekly) about childhood obesity prevention during the peak intervention period. Networks were sparsely interconnected (1%-3% of possible ties observed) and most and least centralized at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Over time, ties were increasingly perceived as influential and siloed within community groups. Conclusions: The network's extensive evolving membership may indicate access to a wide range of resources, ideas, and an ability to broadly disseminate intervention messages. The attenuating network hierarchy over time may have supported more equal participation and control over intervention efforts. Future research should assess generalizability of network patterns, network influences on implementation processes, and possible network interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella R. Korn
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.,Address correspondence to: Ariella R. Korn, PhD, MPH, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ross A. Hammond
- Center on Social Dynamics and Policy, Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, USA.,Brown School, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Erin Hennessy
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aviva Must
- Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark C. Pachucki
- Department of Sociology and Computational Social Science Institute, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christina D. Economos
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Broccatelli C, Wang P, McDaid L, McCann M, Simpson SA, Elliott L, Moore L, Mitchell K. Social Network Research contribution to evaluating process in a feasibility study of a peer-led and school-based sexual health intervention. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12244. [PMID: 34112848 PMCID: PMC8192897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90852-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in social network-based programmes to improve health, but rigorous methods using Social Network research to evaluate the process of these interventions is less well developed. Using data from the "STis And Sexual Health" (STASH) feasibility trial of a school-based, peer-led intervention on sexual health prevention, we illustrate how network data analysis results can address key components of process evaluations for complex interventions-implementation, mechanisms of impacts, and context. STASH trained students as Peer Supporters (PS) to diffuse sexual health messages though face-to-face interactions and online Facebook (FB) groups. We applied a Multilevel Exponential Random Graph modelling approach to analyse the interdependence between offline friendship relationships and online FB ties and how these different relationships align. Our results suggest that the creation of online FB communities mirrored offline adolescent groups, demonstrating fidelity of intervention delivery. Data on informal friendship networks related to student's individual characteristics (i.e., demographics, sexual health knowledge and adherence to norms, which were included for STASH), contributed to an understanding of the social relational 'building' mechanisms that sustain tie-formation. This knowledge could assist the selection of opinion leaders, improving identification of influential peers situated in optimal network positions. This work provides a novel contribution to understanding how to integrate network research with the process evaluation of a network intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Broccatelli
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Peng Wang
- Centre for Transformative Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa McDaid
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark McCann
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sharon Anne Simpson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lawrie Elliott
- Department of Nursing and Community Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laurence Moore
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kirstin Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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