The Association Between Family Social Network Size and Healthy Lifestyle Factors: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

J Behav Med. 2020 Apr;43(2):198-208. doi: 10.1007/s10865-019-00082-9. Epub 2019 Jul 26.

Abstract

We examined associations of central family (i.e., children, parents, in-laws) social network size with healthy lifestyle factors (i.e., favorable body mass index, physical activity, diet, alcohol use, smoking). Using data on 15,511 Hispanics/Latinos 18-74 years old from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, multivariable adjusted survey logistic regression was used to compute associations of social network size with healthy lifestyle factors. A one-unit higher total of central family size was associated with lower odds of healthy body mass index (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.86-0.93) and having all five healthy lifestyle factors (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85-0.96). Findings suggest familial structural social support may contribute to healthy lifestyle factors and differ based on the type of relationship among Hispanics/Latinos.

Keywords: Health behavior; Healthy lifestyle; Hispanic; Latino; Social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Healthy Lifestyle*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Public Health / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking
  • Social Networking
  • Social Support*
  • Young Adult