Using Bimodal Social Network Analysis as a Descriptive Evaluation Tool for Examining Process Changes in a Youth Wellness-Focused, Place-Based Initiative (Youth Wellness Zone)

Am J Public Health. 2026 Jul;116(S3):S162-S170. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2025.308397.

ABSTRACT

Objectives. To evaluate a place-based collective impact strategy on aligned multisector resources and perceptions of local youth wellness needs. Methods. Leaders and community members from Pierce County, Washington State, partnered with a university to develop a place-based youth wellness zone (YWZ). Two surveys, administered 9 months apart in 2023 and 2024, assessed social relationships within the network, ideas about youth needs, and willingness to invest in a pooled fund. Bimodal social network analyses evaluated changes in idea alignment over time. Results. Analyses showed increases in social network resource sharing within social clusters (C = 0.33 to 0.45). Ideas alignment strengthened over time concurrent with YWZ planning activities. No changes in overall network growth were observed. Motivation to contribute to a pooled fund was mixed, which was attributed to the early stage of implementation. Conclusions. Initiatives such as YWZs may influence the alignment of goals and resource sharing within communities. Social network analysis is a promising process and evaluation tool for collective impact efforts. Public Health Implications. Measuring degree of social connectedness and goals alignment may support successful implementation of place-based initiatives. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(S3): S162-S170. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308397).

PMID:42341271 | DOI:10.2105/AJPH.2025.308397