Connections that count: Unraveling the impact of social networks on health and the role in pandemic preparedness

Social networks, our social relationships, are crucial for a healthy society. This dissertation assesses structural (e.g., network size, diversity of social relationships, geographical proximity, and mode of contact), functional (e.g., social support), and quality (e.g., social strain) social network characteristics in relation to health and health behaviors, such as loneliness, and physical activity. Furthermore, the role of social networks in pandemic preparedness was examined by assessing how social networks changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and which characteristics are associated with the appliance of the non-pharmaceutical measures and vaccination intention. Key findings highlight the importance of social networks in health and health behaviors and contribute to a deeper understanding of utilizing social networks for health promotion.