Social network research has contributed greatly to understanding contextual factors affecting the transmission of HIV, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infectious diseases. It also offers insight into the social circumstances of prevention, and potential routes of information diffusion and social influence among drug users and others at risk. In our Study of High Risk Drug Use Settings for HIV Prevention in Hartford, Connecticut, we analyzed the relationships among drug users within their named social networks and with others through the places they use drugs, alone or together. We recruited 293 active drug users through targeted street outreach and referral of drug network members, for assessment of their drug use, HIV risk, high-risk site use, and personal network member characteristics. Additionally, through ethnographic observation, referral tracking, and in-depth interviewing, we were able to link multiple personal networks and trace linkages among individuals and cliques within a broader macro network of drug users in the city. This presentation describes the network ties among drug-users as these relate to potential for HIV and other infectious disease transmission, as well as provide channels for diffusion of prevention messages. In particular, we focus on differences in these characteristics by ethnicity within the primarily African American and Puerto Rican sample. We also suggest possibilities for health-promotion interventions utilizing these network linkages and key network members as focal points for intervention.
Learning Objectives: Recognize the importance of social network research as a tool for understanding the context of HIV risk and prevention. Develop potential applications of social network research for targeting prevention and intervention efforts. Recognize the need for prevention approaches that accommodate the significant differences in risk and prevention contexts within social networks of different ethnic groups.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Network Analysis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.