Systems analysis of collaboration in 5 national tobacco control networks.

Objectives: We studied 5 members of the National Network Consortium on Tobacco Control in Priority Populations. These networks, which consist of governmental and nongovernmental organizations, targeted lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons; Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; American Indians and Alaska Natives; African Americans; and persons with low socioeconomic status, respectively.

Methods: We used statistical network analysis modeling to examine collaboration among these national networks in 2007.

Results: Network size and composition varied, but all 5 networks had extensive interorganizational collaboration. Location and work area were significant predictors of collaboration among network members in all 5 networks. Organizations were more likely to collaborate with their network's lead agency; collaborations with other agencies were more likely if they were geographically close. Collaboration was perceived to be important for achieving the goals of the national network.

Conclusions: The similarity of collaboration patterns across the 5 networks suggests common underlying partnership formation processes. Statistical network modeling promises to be a useful tool for understanding how public health systems such as networks and coalitions can be used to improve the nation's health.