Survey of Structural and Individual Characteristics of Educational Knowledge Transition Network and Factors Affecting It among Teenagers Aged 12-18 Residing in Orphanages in Kerman, 2012

Knowledge transition is an important issue in social epidemiology. Taking into account the importance of knowledge translation network among vulnerable young people in closed environments, this study was conducted to recognize and survey knowledge transition in school lessons. The study aimed at teenagers residing in orphanages in the city of Kerman, using social network analysis. The study samples of this cross-sectional study were all teenagers aged 12-18 years old residing in orphanages. Data was collected via a checklist. In order to study the structural cohesion of social networks and the position of teenagers, density and centrality indices were calculated. Local structure of networks was studied using the triad census method. Finally, the effects of independent variables on indegree index were investigated using a mixed model. The mean density in knowledge transition was 0.34 (0.42 and 0.27 in girls and boys, respectively. (P=0.2)). Completely null and completely mutual triads were 17.1% and 11.2% in girls and 33.7% and 0.09% in boys, respectively. Indegree increased with an increase in age (P<0.001), the average of the scores in school exams (P=0.002), and studying non school materials (P=0.04). Age, average score of school exams, and studying non school materials were important factors in indegree. In general, density of social network was rather low. The rate of knowledge transition was small. Therefore, activities are required to enhance knowledge sharing and transition.