Social networks and levels of physical activity in Dutch adults – the SaNAE study

Physical activity (PA) offers a wide range of health benefits. Yet, a substantial part of the global population, and more than half of the Dutch adults does not meet the PA guidelines. Here, we aim to assess which different levels of the socioecological framework (individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors) are associated with physical activity in middle-aged and older adults. This cross-sectional study is part of the prospective SaNAE (Social Network Assessment in Adults and Elderly) cohort with online questionnaire data of Dutch adults aged 40 years and older. Levels of PA (inactive, minimally physically active, and health-enhancing physical active (HEPA)) were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and associations with individual (demographics, health, health behaviour, and socio-cognitive determinants), interpersonal (structural, functional and quality of egocentric social networks), community (social and work participation) factors and level of urbanisation, were assessed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of 1,975 participants (58% men, mean age: 68 years) 30% were inactive, 39% minimally active, and 32% HEPA-active. Compared to being inactive, positive self-efficacy for being active, non-smoking, lower BMI, having social network members who exercise regularly themselves and social and work participation were associated with higher PA levels. This study demonstrated the importance of individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors for PA levels. Health promotion strategies aiming to improve PA levels should be targeted at factors beyond the individual level.