Social network characteristics and their relationships with physical activity in children with multiple sclerosis

Background: Physical activity has been found to associate with improved health outcomes in children with multiple sclerosis (MS). Social networks may facilitate physical activity in children with MS. Objectives: To estimate associations between social network characteristics and physical activity in children with MS compared to children with monophasic acquired demyelinating syndrome (mono-ADS). Methods: Children with MS and mono-ADS recruited from the Hospital for Sick Children completed questionnaires on social network and physical activity. Descriptive and inferential analyses estimated differences between cohorts and correlations. Results: Children with MS (n = 16) and mono-ADS (n = 22) did not differ in outcomes. Higher physical activity associated with larger social networks (r(s)= 0.681, p < 0.01), more Emotional Support (r(s)= 0.604, p < 0.05), Camaraderie (r(s)= 0.585, p < 0.05), more social network members with post-secondary education (r(s)= 0.680, p < 0.05), and members who exercise 3 to 4 times a week (r(s)= 0.744, p < 0.01). These associations were not found in children with mono-ADS. Conclusion: Larger social network size, more emotional support and camaraderie, and more individuals with postsecondary education and who regularly exercise in the social network associated with higher physical activity in children with MS. Social network characteristics may help understand health behaviors in children with MS.