Egocentric social networks, lifestyle behaviors, and body size in the Asian Community Health Initiative (CHI) cohort

Abstract

Background Social networks have been shown to influence lifestyle behaviors in non-Latinx white (NLW) populations. We examined their influence in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women. Methods We included 477 AANHPI women from the Asian Community Health Initiative Study who provided egocentric (degree, density, composition) and epidemiologic (size, types of ties) social network data and data on alcohol intake, physical activity, smoking, diet, and body size. We used logistic regression to evaluate associations of social network measures and dichotomous outcomes, and linear regression for continuous outcomes. Results In multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher degree and/or proportion of friends were significantly related to higher Western diet, higher odds of any alcohol consumption, and lower odds of physical inactivity and body mass index (BMI)�23 kg/m 2. Additionally, a higher proportion of NLW in women's networks was related to lower Asian diet but also lower waist size. Community participation was related to higher Western diet and lower Asian diet. By contrast, degree and/or proportion of relatives were positively related to BMI, waist size and to a higher odds of BMI�23 kg/m 2 and of ever smoking 100 cigarettes. Being married was related to fewer alcoholic drinks per week and higher Asian diet. A higher density of relationships with frequent contact was also associated with higher Asian diet. Conclusions AANHPI women with larger proportions of friends and NLWs in their networks had more Western health behaviors and smaller body size. Norms for health behaviors and body size

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

“…39 Similarly, another study found greater number of friends in one's network was related to a greater likelihood of meeting PA recommendations. 40 However, one study reported the presence of family members in networks to be positively associated with PA. 33 Tie strength and reciprocity were also important for PA behavior. Specifically, parent-child dyads were 8 times more likely to engage in PA together if they shared a close relationship and were over 5 times more likely to do so if there was also reciprocal encouragement between the parent and child to do regular PA. 41 Additionally, the association between encouragement for PA and co-participation in PA was found to be significant only when this relationship was reciprocal, not when the encouragement relationship was unilateral.…”