Including social network quality in public health research: a scoping review on current practices

Abstract Aim To (1) provide insight into how social network quality can be included in public health research and (2) generate directions for future research concerning the conceptualization and measurement of social network quality. Methods A preregistered scoping review using PubMed and APA PsychInfo as information sources. Sources of evidence were deemed eligible if they were full-text articles and reported on conceptualization and/or measurement of social network quality in public health research concerning humans. Results In total, 78 articles were included. Most articles (50/78) reported nothing about conceptualization. For the other articles (28/78), the possible conceptualization used (if any) could only be implied on the basis of the aspects that are measured in the reported studies. In total, 204 aspects are measured in the reported studies. There is a large heterogeneity in aspects, with some recurring frequently (e.g., support, specific relationships, and satisfaction). This is indicative of differences in researchers’ conceptualization of social network quality. Conclusion The point of departure for future research is to advance the conceptualization of social network quality. The diversity in current conceptualizations and measurements of social network quality in public health research can even be beneficial. However, to benefit from this epistemic diversity, researchers need to make their conceptualizations and measurements explicit—and share them with others.