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Associations of Social Networks with Physical Activity Enjoyment among Older Adults: Walkability as a Modifier through a STROBE-Compliant Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Nestor Asiamah

    (Division of Interdisciplinary Research and Practice, School of Health and Social Care, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
    Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Africa Centre for Epidemiology, Accra North P.O. Box AN 18462, Ghana)

  • Simon Mawulorm Agyemang

    (Department of Science/Health, Physical Education and Sports, Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education, Abetifi-Kwahu P.O. Box 19, Ghana)

  • Cosmos Yarfi

    (Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana)

  • Reginald Arthur-Mensah Jnr

    (Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Pentecost University, Accra P.O. Box KN 1739, Ghana)

  • Faith Muhonja

    (Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Amref International University, Nairobi P.O. Box 27691-00506, Kenya)

  • Hafiz T. A. Khan

    (College of Nursing, Midwifery, and Healthcare, University of West London, Paragon House, Boston Manor Road, Brentford TW8 9GB, UK)

  • Kyriakos Kouveliotis

    (Berlin School of Business and Innovation, Academic Affairs, 97-99 Karl Marx Strasse, 12043 Berlin, Germany)

  • Sarra Sghaier

    (Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Africa Centre for Epidemiology, Accra North P.O. Box AN 18462, Ghana)

Abstract

The available evidence suggests that social networks can contribute to physical activity (PA) enjoyment, which is necessary for the maintenance of PA over the life course. This study assessed the associations of active and sedentary social networks with PA enjoyment and ascertained whether walkability moderates or modifies these associations. A cross-sectional design compliant with STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) was employed. The participants were 996 community-dwelling older Ghanaians aged 50 years or older. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to analyse the data. After adjusting for age and income, the study found that the active social network size (β = 0.09; p < 0.05) and sedentary social network size (β = 0.17; p < 0.001) were positively associated with PA enjoyment. These associations were strengthened by walkability. It is concluded that active and sedentary social networks may better support PA enjoyment in more walkable neighbourhoods. Therefore, enabling older adults to retain social networks and live in more walkable neighbourhoods may be an effective way to improve their PA enjoyment.

Suggested Citation

  • Nestor Asiamah & Simon Mawulorm Agyemang & Cosmos Yarfi & Reginald Arthur-Mensah Jnr & Faith Muhonja & Hafiz T. A. Khan & Kyriakos Kouveliotis & Sarra Sghaier, 2023. "Associations of Social Networks with Physical Activity Enjoyment among Older Adults: Walkability as a Modifier through a STROBE-Compliant Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3341-:d:1068150
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