Systems analysis of collaboration in 5 national tobacco control networks

We studied 5 members of the National Network Consortium on Tobacco Control in Priority Populations. These networks, which consist of governmental and nongovernmental organizations, targeted lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons; Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; American Indians and Alaska Natives; African Americans; and persons with low socioeconomic status, respectively.

We used statistical network analysis modeling to examine collaboration among these national networks in 2007.

Network size and composition varied, but all 5 networks had extensive interorganizational collaboration. Location and work area were significant predictors of collaboration among network members in all 5 networks. Organizations were more likely to collaborate with their network's lead agency; collaborations with other agencies were more likely if they were geographically close. Collaboration was perceived to be important for achieving the goals of the national network.

The similarity of collaboration patterns across the 5 networks suggests common underlying partnership formation processes. Statistical network modeling promises to be a useful tool for understanding how public health systems such as networks and coalitions can be used to improve the nation's health.