THURS-050 - Social Networks of Physical Activity and Nutrition Programs in Missouri

Brief Abstract Summary: Attendees will learn about the social networks of practitioners implementing physical activity and nutrition programming in the state of Missouri (SPAN, HOP, and REACH programs). Social networks were instrumental in for knowledge exchange, expanding their network, strategic planning, sharing resources, supporting with implementation, evaluation, and more. This information is key for those attendees who work with the 60+ SPAN, HOP, and REACH programs in the United States.

Detailed abstract description: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) establishes state, regional, and community-based interventions to address physical inactivity and poor nutrition; both prominent public health issues. However, limited research exists on how these interventions are implemented. This study examines the social networks of practitioners implementing CDC initiatives to promote physical inactivity and nutrition in Missouri. Participants completed a cross-sectional social network survey. Participants were recruited online via email from a roster of CDC programs in fall 2024. They reported up to 10 professional contacts involved in their project(s) and described each relationship in terms of longevity, value, affiliation, benefits, and interaction frequency. Social network analysis was used to examine collaboration patterns, resource sharing, and knowledge exchange among practitioners. On average, participants (n=32; mean age = 41.9 years, 62% female, 88% White, 78% graduate degree) had been in their positions for 4.7 years and worked in government (19.8%), academia (17.6%), advocacy groups (17.6%), community organizations (16.7%), and healthcare providers (9.9%). Participants reported an average of 6.9 professional connections, with collaborations lasting an average of 3.4 years. Collaborators reported interactions ranging from occasionally to frequently (M= 2.5, on a scale of 1-5), rated their connections as valuable (M= 3.4), and knew their collaborators moderately well (M= 1.9). The most reported network benefits were knowledge exchange (21.2%), network expansion (20.3%), strategic planning (19.4%), resource sharing (18.9%), implementation support (17.6%), evaluation (16.7%), community engagement (15.3%), and policy advocacy (14.9%). Interestingly, less than half of the reported collaborators (43.2%) were funded under the same project, with others unfunded or funded on other projects. Practitioners implementing large-scale physical activity and nutrition interventions are mostly well-educated professionals in government, academia, and non-profit organizations who rely on each other for knowledge, connections, planning, and resources. These results can inform practitioners and policymakers in identifying key stakeholders for future interventions. Future research should explore the limited diversity among practitioners in these initiatives.