Abstract
PurposeThe relationship between social networks and health and wellbeing is increasingly demonstrated in vulnerable adult populations. This relationship for vulnerable children and young people has not hitherto been systematically reviewed. This narrative synthesis aims to consolidate research to provide a foundational basis for future health-related social network research and interventions for children and young people.MethodsThis mixed methods systematic review synthesises research investigating whole, egocentric social networks of 32 vulnerable child groups with a mean age below 18. There were no setting, language or date restrictions. The quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Of 6360 search results, 49 were included for narrative synthesis.ResultsThe majority of pertinent research originates from the USA; the most frequently investigated vulnerabilities were minority ethnic status, homelessness and the presence of special educational needs. Research aims and methodologies varied significantly between studies. Key findings included (i) vulnerable (excluding minority ethnic) children and young people have impoverished networks (ii) access to networks is a protective factor against negative outcomes (iii) social ties, primarily immediate family, provide access to personal resources and (iv) network ties are to a degree substitutable.ConclusionsNetworks are associated with wellbeing and vulnerable children and young people commonly have impoverished networks, excluding cases where vulnerability classification relates to minority ethnic status. Network embeddedness is associated with positive outcomes, particularly for homeless children. Family are typically primary providers of support, but ties are substitutable when networks are restricted. Egocentric social network research is currently limited for vulnerable child populations. Further research could inform interventions that harness networks to improve health, wellbeing and functional outcomes for these child groups.
Highlights
Vulnerable children and young people are at increased risk of poor health and quality of life-related outcomes, including mental health problems, physical illness and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in childhood and beyond [27, 38, 96]
Studies were only based on quality when they failed screening questions which would prevent successful data extraction. The rationale for this was the paucity of research targeting certain vulnerable groups; poor quality data could represent the totality of research
This review finds that social networks and the health, wellbeing and functional outcomes for vulnerable children and young people are interrelated
Summary
Vulnerable children and young people are at increased risk of poor health and quality of life-related outcomes, including mental health problems, physical illness and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in childhood and beyond [27, 38, 96]. The UN sustainable development goals demonstrate a clear commitment to strengthening health systems,social systems and informal networks are understood to play a key role in individuals interactions with treatment systems and execution of health behaviours [13, 57, 94], Pescosolido (1991). Progress toward these goals for children slow; 75% of child-related SDG indicators how insufficient progress or insufficient data [85]. Proposed mechanisms by which social capital impacts health on an individual level include access to health information, informal provisions of care and support and the improved ability of cohesive groups to represent their needs and petition change [65]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
