Using Social Network Analysis to Visualize Networks in American Indian Health Research

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Transdisciplinary Research

Background:

• Established in 2012, the Collaborative Research Center for American Indian Health (CRCAIH) aimed to develop tribal research infrastructure.
• Funded by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, CRCAIH connects tribal communities and researchers in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
• The center focuses on stimulating research in American Indian health and fostering transdisciplinary partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the initial development of the CRCAIH research network.
• To understand the broader impact of CRCAIH on American Indian and Alaska Native health research.
• To map collaborations and research stimulation facilitated by the CRCAIH platform.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a network analysis.
• Utilized publication data from collaborators associated with CRCAIH.
• Examined the growth and reach of the CRCAIH research network.

Main Results:

• The CRCAIH network rapidly expanded, creating a significant platform for collaboration.
• Network analysis revealed the extent of transdisciplinary research partnerships established.
• Demonstrated CRCAIH's success in stimulating research within American Indian communities.

Conclusions:

• CRCAIH has effectively built a robust network for American Indian health research.
• The center has successfully stimulated collaborations and research infrastructure development.
• The network analysis highlights CRCAIH's substantial impact on advancing tribal health research.