SNA is one approach that assesses interactions among public health organizations to support analysis of the structure of public health systems. Social network analysis is ideally suited to visualizing, describing, and analyzing public health systems.

Social networks influence health-related behavior, such as obesity and smoking. While researchers have studied social networks as a driver for diffusion of influences and behavior, it is less understood how the structure or topology of the network, in itself, impacts an individual’s health behavior and wellness state.

Social networks can be a key factor in determining how healthy a community is. For one thing, they can create social supports that provide a buffer against the stressors that damage health (House et al., 1998; Zilberberg, 2011). Social networks may also have negative effects on health, however (Arthur, 2002; Cattell, 2001).

Evidence from this study suggests that social network interventions are associated with positive health behaviours and outcomes. Researchers and public health practitioners should consider how to use the social networks of their populations when delivering health behaviour interventions in order to maximise effectiveness.