Social support networks and HIV risk among formerly incarcerated Latino men

BACKGROUND: The majority of HIV-prevention interventions have failed to consider the role of families and social networks in the post-incarceration experiences of formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM). Many HIV-prevention interventions also fail to address the complexities of reentry, such as how FILM respond to their families, manage their health status, and negotiate HIV-related sexual risk behavior after prison. METHODS: We conducted 60 network-based, open-ended interviews with FILM, as well as members of their social networks. This analysis focuses on network members' role in supporting FILM's efforts to reduce concurrent HIV-related risk behaviors. RESULTS: Post-release FILM participate in three types of social networks: 1) kinship - after leaving correctional facilities, study participants look to family networks for support and assistance in their reentry process; 2) friends and gangs - when traditional family networks are not found, or are problematic, the notion of family is redefined to include two additional networks: close friends and gang-related networks. Close friend networks often overlap with gang-related networks. Family values such as loyalty, respect, collective well-being and the provision of support characterize Latino street/prison gangs; and, 3) pro-prisoner rights networks, which are groups of formerly incarcerated men and women that mobilize to advocate for the rights of prisoners. CONCLUSION: The influence of the family networks has become increasingly recognized as an important facilitator of HIV protective behaviors. Family and rights-based networks are critical for FILM in their re-entry and maintenance of low HIV risk behaviors.