Social Contact with Family and Non-Family Members Differentially Affects Physical Activity: A Parallel Latent Growth Curve Modeling Approach

Yuta Nemoto,Masami Hasebe,Yoh Murayama,Miki Narita,Mariko Nishi,Yoshinori Fujiwara,Ryota Sakurai,Hiroko Matsunaga

doi:10.3390/ijerph18052313

Abstract

Background: Social contact leads to an increased likelihood of engaging in physical activity (PA). However, the influence of social contact on PA would be different depending on the social contact source. This study aimed to identify the association of changes in social contact with family and non-family members with the change in PA using a parallel latent growth curve modeling. Methods: Participants were randomly selected from among residents in the study area age ≥ 20 years (n = 7000). We conducted mail surveys in 2014, 2016, and 2019. The 1365 participants completed all surveys. PA was assessed with validated single-item physical activity measure. Social contact was assessed by summing frequencies of face-to-face and non-face-to-face contacts with family/relatives not living with the participant and friends/neighbors. Parallel latent growth curve modeling was used to assess the cross-sectional, prospective, and parallel associations of social contact with PA change. Results: There was a positive cross-sectional association between contact with friends/neighbors and PA, whereas prospective and parallel associations between contact with family/relatives and PA. Conclusion: Contacting friends/neighbors did not predict the change in PA, and a high frequency of contact with family/relatives at baseline and increasing contact with family/relatives was associated with increased PA over 5-year.

Highlights

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise are well established
We examined the associations of social contact with PA, including the cross-sectional association, prospective association, and parallel association in each model (Figure 2)
We identify social contact and PA trajectories over five years and the longitudinal relationships using a parallel latent growth curve model

Summary

Introduction

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise are well established. Lifelong PA plays a critical role in preventing chronic disease and maintaining functional capacities [1,2,3,4].The proportion of Japanese adults who exercise regularly is considerably low and decreasing [5]. According to a Japanese national survey, the age-adjusted rate of individuals who performed exercise for more than 30 min at least twice a week over the previous year decreased slightly from 29.8% (men) and 24.5% (women) in 2008 to 27.2% (men) and 21.1%. This rate is especially low among young adults [6] These data indicate the need to detect the determinant factors of PA and develop strategies for increasing population-level PA by strengthening access to and promoting participation in sports and active recreation across all age groups [2]. Social contact was assessed by summing frequencies of face-to-face and non-face-to-face contacts with family/relatives not living with the participant and friends/neighbors. Parallel latent growth curve modeling was used to assess the cross-sectional, prospective, and parallel associations of social contact with PA change. Conclusion: Contacting friends/neighbors did not predict the change in PA, and a high frequency of contact with family/relatives at baseline and increasing contact with family/relatives was associated with increased PA over 5-year

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Discussion

Conclusion