The importance of interdisciplinary frameworks in social media mining: An exploratory approach between Computational Informatics and Social Network Analysis (SNA)

Social media content is one of the most visible sources of big data and is often used in health studies to draw inferences about various behaviors. Though much can be gleaned from social media data and mining, the approaches used to collect and analyze data are generally strengthened when examined through established theoretical frameworks. Health behavior, a theory driven field, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across fields and theories to help us draw robust conclusions about phenomena. This pilot study uses a combined computer informatics and SNA approach to analyze information spread about mask-wearing as a personal mitigation effort during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed one week’s worth of Twitter data (n = 10,107 tweets across 4,289 users) by using at least one of four popular mask-support hashtags (e.g., #maskup). We calculated network-measures to assess structures and patterns present within the Twitter network, and used exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) to test factors related to the presence of retweets between users. The pro-mask Twitter network was largely fragmented, with a select few nodes occupying the most influential positions in the network. Verified accounts, accounts with more followers, and those who generated more tweets were more likely to be retweeted. Contrarily, verified accounts and those with more followers were less likely to retweet others. SNA revealed patterns and structures theoretically important to how information spreads across Twitter. We demonstrated the utility of an interdisciplinary collaboration between computer informatics and SNA to draw conclusions from social media data

The Spread and Utility of Social Network Analysis across a Group of Health Behavior Researchers

Social network analysis (SNA), both as theory and methodology, is a powerful framework for delimiting and studying health behaviors. Using SNA allows scholars to answer new research questions, innovatively investigate the social and systemic contexts of health and behavior, and collaborate on multi- or inter-disciplinary projects. As a result, SNA is growing in popularity within health behavior research and practice. Despite SNA’s contribution and appeal, few health behavior researchers and practitioners have access to formal SNA education; much of the current training efforts occur outside degree-granting curricula. Therefore, the aims of this paper were to: 1) assess the diffusion of SNA, over time, among scholars presenting at AAHB annual meetings; and 2) determine whether AAHB can function as a professional venue for fostering development of SNA-related skills, especially by capitalizing on mentoring relationships. To assess the “spread” of SNA among AAHB scholars, we conducted a network analysis to capture the connections among those presenting research posters between 2016 and 2019. Results indicated sizeable increases in adoption of, and exposure to SNA within this network. Based on these findings, we recommend responding to the growing trends of SNA use by providing conference-based training and education in SNA. We also propose utilizing mentorship ties as leverage points in diffusing SNA within a system of professional scholars and, as a result, advancing health behavior research and practice

Receipt of a Yearly Routine Checkup and Beliefs about the Importance of a Personal Primary Care Provider among Rural Patients

Annual well visit appointments with personal primary care providers (PCP) are critical for improving population health. However, barriers to healthcare access can hinder routine and preventive screenings and treatment. This study examined the financial, geospatial, and attitudinal barriers to routine PCP visits among rural-residing patients. Data were collected from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers who lived in a rural ZIP code. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess barriers and facilitators associated with receipt of a routine checkup within the past year. The primary predictor of interest was the belief that a personal PCP can improve access to primary and preventive care and therefore improve health (alpha=0.9015). The model also adjusted for age, sex, insurance status, distance to primary care, and typical wait time for a primary care appointment. All analyses were conducted in Stata 17 SE. Increased belief that a personal PCP can improve access to primary and preventive care and therefore improve health was associated with increased likelihood of receiving an annual routine checkup (AOR=1.21, p=0.003). Patients who were insured (AOR=5.16, p=0.003) were significantly more likely to receive an annual routine checkup, while those who travelled farther distances to see a primary care provider were less likely to receive an annual routine checkup (AOR=0.69; p=0.027). Findings suggest that financial, geospatial, and attitudinal barriers may hinder annual routine checkups with PCP. Addressing all three of these potential barriers can have a positive impact on population health by increasing access and utilization of primary care within rural populations

Making the connection: social networks and type 2 diabetes among Black/African American Men: mixed-methods study protocol

This mixed-methods study protocol investigates the role of social networks in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) self-management among Black/African American (B/AA) men, a population disproportionately affected by T2D. The study employs a convergent design, combining quantitative social network analysis with longitudinal qualitative interviews. A nationally representative sample of 1,200 B/AA men with T2D will complete an online survey assessing their social networks, T2D self-management practices, and related psychosocial factors. A subset of 65 participants will engage in semi-structured interviews at two timepoints 6 months apart to explore the formation and evolution of supportive relationships. The study aims to: (1) identify specific aspects of social networks related to T2D self-management adherence, and (2) characterize the formation and evolution of relationships that improve T2D self-management strategies. Quantitative data will be analyzed using multivariate and multilevel regression techniques, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. This comprehensive approach will provide insights into the structure and function of social networks among B/AA men with T2D, potentially informing culturally tailored interventions to improve T2D outcomes in this underserved population. The study’s innovative focus on the broader social context of T2D management among B/AA men has the potential to address health disparities and contribute to more effective strategies for reducing the burden of T2D in this population

Impact of social networks, mental health, and sobriety on exercise within a collegiate recovery community

Exercise is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from addiction. In addition to improved physical, emotional, and mental health, exercise is linked to long-term recovery for those overcoming addiction. With nearly 10% of college students in recovery, and many utilizing campus resources such as collegiate recovery communities (CRCs) to support their recovery, it is important to understand the relationship between exercise and the recovery process among college students. The purpose of this study was to use social network analysis and theory to understand exercise behaviors among a group of college students in recovery. The relationship between exercise and sobriety, mental health variables, and social connections was examined among a network of students involved in a CRC. Of the 50 students involved in this network, 40 participated in the study (80% response rate). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant model (R2 = .598, p \u3c .0001) predicting whether CRC members exercised enough to yield health benefits. Length of sobriety, higher stress, lower depression, having fewer network ties, and being connected directly to others exercising regularly were significant predictor variables in the model. This study supports the relationship between sobriety and exercise, as well as an association between network connections and exercise behaviors. Incorporating exercise opportunities as part of CRC programming to help students stay sober, as well as identifying key target points for intervention within similar groups of students, could be useful in future practice

Relationships Between Self-regulation and use of Parenting Strategies for Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Mexican-Heritage Mothers

It is important to understand theoretically based support behaviors that can promote healthy eating and active living among Mexican-heritage mothers. This study examined the relationship between maternal self-regulation (the capacity to plan, guide, and monitor one’s behavior flexibly in the face of changing circumstances) and use of parenting strategies among mothers residing along the Texas-Mexico border. Mothers (n = 116) were recruited from three geographic regions within Hidalgo County, Texas. A 21-item survey was administered to measure self-regulation through goal setting and limit setting. The Parenting Strategies for Eating and Activity Scale (PEAS) was used to measure parenting strategies such as limit setting, discipline, monitoring, and control. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify relationships between self-regulation (goal setting and impulse control) and parenting strategies. Sociodemographic characteristics of mothers are also reported. On average mothers were 36 years old (SD = 7.44), married (82%), identified as Mexican (90%), and had fewer than 9 years of education (68%). Pearson correlations revealed goal setting to be positively associated with limit setting (r = .246, p \u3c .001), control (r = .203, p = .03), and monitoring (r = .336, p \u3c .001). Regression analyses revealed limit setting (β = .246, p \u3c .001), control (β = .203, p = .03), and monitoring (β = .336, p \u3c .001) as parenting strategies that were associated with goal setting (R2 = 0.12). Findings suggest that programs should include goal setting to facilitate use of parenting strategies to support healthy behaviors that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Emphasizing malleable behaviors rather than deficits in parenting strategies could allow for higher receptivity to behaviors that can promote health in a family context

Overcoming hesitancy to submit manuscripts for peer review

Publishing completed research is essential for knowledge dissemination and career advancement, yet many academics experience submission anxiety. Reasons include fear of rejection, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. This commentary reviews drivers of submission hesitancy and outlines evidence-based strategies to empower manuscript submission. Consequences of delays are detrimental for individual productivity and scientific progress. Indicators of unhelpful rumination during endless revisions include excessive time re-reviewing background literature or endlessly analyzing data. Plagiarism angst can also stall submission. Strategies to promote manuscript submission include setting readiness checklists and timeline goals, seeking mentor perspectives on drafts, forming peer writing groups for accountability, understanding text reuse conventions, viewing peer input as collaborative, and reframing rejection as an expected part of review. While incentives must be reformed, mindset shifts can initiate positive norms amid existing pressures. Scientists have a responsibility to disseminate timely research and can implement techniques to do so

Process Evaluation of a Pilot Physical Activity and Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum Implemented in a Summer Care Program for Child and Adolescent Girls

Physical activity (PA) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are critical for healthy development, yet few programs have evaluated integrated promotion efforts within out-of-school summer contexts. The EmpowerHER program was piloted in a summer care program for girls. This study aimed to conduct a process evaluation, assessing the program\u27s fidelity to curriculum design and theory to make recommendations for continuous program improvement. The EmpowerHER curriculum was tailored towards girls (n=11, 10-14 years old) and implemented through a community summer care program. The 8-week program consisted of 90-minute sessions conducted twice per week during the summer of 2023 in Texas, USA. Fidelity was evaluated using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT), which characterized participant PA levels, lesson context, social interactions, and instructor interactions. Participants wore ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers to measure PA and completed surveys to assess perceptions of activities. SOFIT observations revealed varying levels of PA across sessions, with peaks in Sessions 4 (26%) and 5 (12%). Accelerometer data showed higher light PA (M=18.3±6.1 min) compared to moderate-to-vigorous PA (M=9.6±4.9 min) per session. Surveys indicated high enjoyment (M=4.6±0.3), learning (M=4.1±0.1), and perceived PA engagement (M=4.5±0.2). Participants expressed preferences for interactive activities and more gym time. Triangulating multi-method process data enabled nuanced optimization of intervention components session-by-session. The curriculum balanced educational components with PA opportunities, but would benefit from more consistent PA. Positive social interactions and participant feedback highlighted the program\u27s potential to enhance SEL. Future iterations should prioritize activities that foster positive relationships and maximize PA

Drivers of Food Service Need and Use among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men with Chronic Conditions in the United States

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the management of chronic health conditions. Food insecurity is predominant and differs across certain races and ethnicities, which highlights the importance of community-based food service access and utilization. In this context, the current study examined factors associated with community-based food service needs and utilization among middle-aged and older non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions. Data were analyzed from 1,982 men who completed an internet-delivered, cross-sectional survey. Multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with food service needs and use by race and ethnicity. While 17% of men reported needing food services, only 6% utilized them. Factors such as age, household size, household income, and number of chronic conditions significantly influenced food service utilization. Compared to men who did not need food services, each additional year of age decreased the odds of needing food services (regardless of use) in the past year (needed but not used: OR = 0.963, p \u3c 0.001; needed and used: OR = 0.974, p \u3c 0.05). However, each additional chronic condition increased the odds of needing food services (regardless of use) (needed but not used: OR = 1.101, p \u3c 0.001; needed and used: OR = 1.095, p \u3c 0.001). This study underscores the importance of tailored interventions to address food insecurity and improve the uptake of eligible food services among at-risk populations. By leveraging cultural values and community resources, practitioners and policymakers can enhance engagement with food services and improve health outcomes

Buying $cience: Considerations for Academic Productivity and Scholarship

There is no abstract for this commentary (unless required)