US adolescents' friendship networks and health risk behaviors: a systematic review of studies using social network analysis and Add Health data.

ABSTRACT: Background. Documented trends in health-related risk behaviors among US adolescents have remained high over time. Studies indicate relationships among mutual friends are a major influence on adolescents' risky behaviors. Social Network Analysis (SNA) can help understand friendship ties affecting individual adolescents' engagement in these behaviors. Moreover, a systematic literature review can synthesize findings from a range of studies using SNA, as well as assess these studies' methodological quality. Review findings also can help health educators and promoters develop more effective programs. Objective. This review systematically examined studies of the influence of friendship networks on adolescents' risk behaviors, which utilized SNA and the Add Health data (a nationally representativ

SUBMITTER: Jeon KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4493707 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature