RHP&EO is the electronic journal of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education

Social Networks And Exercise Adherence: A Local Intervention Project

project manager,cand.mag Ulla Christensen

Medical Office of Health, City of Copenhagen, Sjaellandsgade 40, DK 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

The correlation between social networks, health and the ability to recover from illness has been well documented over the last 15 years. However the causal links remain obscure: we don't know e.g., how social networks affect health, and more to the point; little if any evidence of why well established social networks would actually lead to health promoting behavior. The present project has two objectives: first, it will focus on how organized exercise classes may further the creating of social networks among residents in selected urban areas. Second, the project will investigate to what extent such social networks are permanent, and how they thus may contribute to increased exercise adherence.

Compared to the rest of Denmark the city of Copenhagen has a relatively large group of inhabitants with weak social support and they participate only little in social networks. Consequently, the municipality of Copenhagen has made a special effort to promote the creation and development of social networks. The present study is a part of this effort. It was initiated in January 1995, and in that year 205 adults and 21 children attended ll different local exercise classes. In each of these classes the participants had decisive influence upon the planning of the course. E.g.,it was up to the participant to decide how much time was to be set aside to social activities apart from exercise proper. The exercise classes were primarily offered at local level to people that didn't attend exercise classes on a regular basis.

At the present stage the project is analysing data on health status and health behavior, educational level, gender, age, etc. gathered from the participants. These data are also being compared to similar data gathered through samples in the local population. Data are gathered in part by questionnaires and in part through personal interviews with selected participants. The object is to combine quantitative and qualitative perspectives on the issue.

Internet Explorer 5.0 or later version gives the optimal visual effect of this website.