Assessing state-level active living promotion using network analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Network Analysis

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a significant public health concern in the US.
• Active living communities are being developed to combat inactivity.
• Effective promotion requires inter-organizational collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the network structure of active living promotion in Hawaii.
• To identify communication patterns, collaboration levels, and funding flows.
• To assess the effectiveness of the existing network.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a network analysis of Hawaii's active living promotion network.
• Identified 26 key organizations involved in promoting active living.
• Surveyed organizations on contact frequency, collaboration, and funding.

Main Results:

• A communication network linked all agencies, but with long pathways hindering information flow.
• The Department of Health (DOH) and State Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition (NPAC) were central nodes.
• Information sharing was common, but collaboration and formal partnerships were low, especially between state and county agencies.

Conclusions:

• Active living networks may be initially divided by geography and core missions.
• Efforts are needed to bridge these divides for improved network functionality.
• Network mapping is a valuable tool for identifying areas for network development.