Personal network characteristics associated with frequency of injection drug use among a cohort of Hispanic injectors in South Florida

OBJECTIVE: There are insufficient data regarding the impact of personal networks on the HIV-related risk behaviors of injection drug users. This study explored the effect of personal networks on HIV-related risk behaviors, particularly the frequency of injection drug use, among a cohort of Hispanic injectors in South Florida. METHODS: A stratified network based sample of 240 injection drug users was recruited from communities in South Florida. After screening for eligibility (18 years old or older, Hispanic origin, injected opiates, cocaine, or amphetamines for at least the past 3 months, and used at least weekly for the past 30 days), participants were administered a structured, written questionnaire that included basic sociodemographic information, drug use history, personal network, and HIV risk behavior practices. RESULTS: After univariate analyses were completed, logistic regression identified personal network characteristics that were significantly associated with an increased frequency of injection among users. Personal network size (1 to 5, OR=2.67; 6 or more, OR=4.35), presence of heroin injectors in personal network (OR=5.14), having sexual partners who were injectors (OR=3.16), and living with injectors (OR= 5. 39) were significantly associated with increasing frequency of injection. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the growing body of evidence that personal social networks directly impact HIV-risk behaviors. These data may support efforts for developing new, personal-network based HIV-reduction interventions. To date, few personal network based interventions have been implemented compared to individual-based interventions, which have been shown to be only moderately effective.