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

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

Changes in activation of Mexican-heritage children and father physical activity social networks in response to a father-focused family-centered health program.

Physical activity (PA) and active play are beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health; however, very few families meet PA guidelines to attain health benefits. Unfortunately, Latinx children report lower PA levels and are at elevated risk for developing obesity. PA is also significantly associated with PA behaviors of friends and family through support, influence, and co-participation. Past studies have focused on mother’s influence on and perception of child PA, especially within Mexican-heritage families; however, recently scholars have called for a renewed focus on fathers to promote the health of their children. This dissertation examined if participation in a father-focused family-centered health program changes the social connections within Mexican-heritage children’s and fathers’ PA networks. Participating families consisting of child (aged 9-11), mother, and father were recruited from colonias by promotoras for participation in a six-week father-focused family-centered health program focused on family dynamics relative to healthy eating and active living. Children reported up to five people (alters) they actively played with the most in the previous month before and after the program. Likewise, fathers reported up to five people they with whom they were physically active. Children and fathers then reported each alters’ sex, their relationship to the alter, and frequency with which they played with the alter, if they thought the alter was active regularly, and if they alter helped them to be active as well as what they did most often with that person. Multilevel regression models examined the change in alter level variables. Children and fathers were more likely to report more frequent PA with their alters after the program when compared to before the program. Additionally, girls were more likely to report more frequent active play with alters when compared to boys; however, a significant interaction term indicated boys were more likely to increase this frequency as compared to girls. Supporting families to activate their social network ties to be more active, which is theoretically supported through family systems theory and Social Ecological Model, could result in more PA for children and families. Results indicate these connections or activations are possible through a family-centered father-focused health program

Changes in activation of Mexican-heritage children and father physical activity social networks in response to a father-focused family-centered health program.

Physical activity (PA) and active play are beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health; however, very few families meet PA guidelines to attain health benefits. Unfortunately, Latinx children report lower PA levels and are at elevated risk for developing obesity. PA is also significantly associated with PA behaviors of friends and family through support, influence, and co-participation. Past studies have focused on mother’s influence on and perception of child PA, especially within Mexican-heritage families; however, recently scholars have called for a renewed focus on fathers to promote the health of their children. This dissertation examined if participation in a father-focused family-centered health program changes the social connections within Mexican-heritage children’s and fathers’ PA networks. Participating families consisting of child (aged 9-11), mother, and father were recruited from colonias by promotoras for participation in a six-week father-focused family-centered health program focused on family dynamics relative to healthy eating and active living. Children reported up to five people (alters) they actively played with the most in the previous month before and after the program. Likewise, fathers reported up to five people they with whom they were physically active. Children and fathers then reported each alters’ sex, their relationship to the alter, and frequency with which they played with the alter, if they thought the alter was active regularly, and if they alter helped them to be active as well as what they did most often with that person. Multilevel regression models examined the change in alter level variables. Children and fathers were more likely to report more frequent PA with their alters after the program when compared to before the program. Additionally, girls were more likely to report more frequent active play with alters when compared to boys; however, a significant interaction term indicated boys were more likely to increase this frequency as compared to girls. Supporting families to activate their social network ties to be more active, which is theoretically supported through family systems theory and Social Ecological Model, could result in more PA for children and families. Results indicate these connections or activations are possible through a family-centered father-focused health program

The social network of medical case managers, housing providers, and health department staff in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: A Midwest case study.

BackgroundBroad networks of providers in the Ryan White system are essential to end the HIV epidemic. Yet, there is little evidence that has assessed social networks of providers within HIV care networks. The purpose of this study is to provide a cross-sectional analysis of the role medical case managers (MCM), housing providers (HP), and health department staff (HDS), play in a Ryan White-funded area.MethodsAll MCMs, HPs, and HDS (N = 57) in a Midwest Transitional Grant Area were invited to participate in a social network survey. Social network composition scores, exponential random graph modeling and ANOVA tests were conducted using SPSS and R Studio.ResultsCommunication in this network was significantly more likely between SW of the same provider type (e.g. MCMs communicating with other MCMs, β = .87, pDiscussionHDS play an important role in communicating across provider types in care delivery for HIV. Our results indicate that health departments represent essential agencies for broad dissemination of resources and knowledge, and may bridge communication barriers for coordination of housing support and HIV care delivery

I CrossFit; Do You? Cross-Sectional Peer Similarity of Physical Activity Behavior in a Group High Intensity Functional Training Setting

Physical activity (PA) is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health; however, few adults engage in enough PA. Group exercise environments such as CrossFit can promote sustained exercise habits through social influence, support, and norms. This cross-sectional study aims to provide evidence for PA social influence at CrossFit. CrossFit members (n = 62) reported PA, workout logging frequency, and members at their gym they: (1) work out with and (2) go to with personal matters. Separate linear network autocorrelation models (LNAMs) determined if individuals reported similar PA scores as those of their social ties at CrossFit that they work out with and/or those they go to for personal matters. Participants reported a mean of 2740.55 MET minutes/week (SD = 1847.08), working out with a mean of 9.89 members (SD = 6.26), and speaking to a mean of 2.66 members about personal matters (SD = 3.68). A person’s PA was significantly associated with that of their ties they go to with personal matters (PEp = 0.08, SEp = 0.02), but was not associated with the PA of their ties they work out with (PEw = 0.02, SEw = 0.01). Social influence on PA levels was present when a deeper connection is made between members. Fostering and promoting deeper connections between members may help promote PA and continued exercise habits

Perceived Burnout and Coping Strategies Among Fitness Instructors: A Mixed Methods Approach

© 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Purpose: Burnout is associated with poor health. Researchers have investigated various coping strategies, including the beneficial effects of exercise, on burnout. However, exercise as part of occupational demands may lead to burnout in fitness instructors. There is a lack of understanding regarding burnout and associated coping strategies among fitness instructors. Design: Fitness instructors (n = 297) were recruited from national fitness conferences to complete an online survey including job characteristics, burnout, and coping strategies. Regression analysis examined associations between burnout, coping strategies, and job characteristics. Three group interviews (n = 12) were conducted to further examine these associations. Findings: Personal burnout and problem-focused engagement coping strategies were most prevalent. Engagement coping was associated with lower burnout; disengagement was associated with higher burnout according to regression models. Three themes emerged from group interviews: a misunderstanding of what the profession entails, importance of co-worker support, and a feeling of giving more than receiving in their job. Practical Implications: Fitness managers and certification providers would do well to add these coping strategies to their education plans to help equip future instructors with the tools to reduce burnout. Research Contribution: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on burnout and coping strategies within fitness instructors