Influences of social networks on sexually transmitted infections among formerly incarcerated Latino men

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: 1) examine STI testing practices and infection rates; 2) explore whether contextual and network factors were associated with differences in STI rates; and 3) identify protective contextual and network factors associated with low rates of STI; among formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) in New York City.

Methods: Quantitative self-administered survey with FILM ages 18 to 49 (n=259) who had been incarcerated within the past five years. Logistic regression bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine contextual, network, mental health and demographic-background differences in STI testing practices and infection history for the prior 12 months.

Results: More than a third (35.1%) of the sample reported at least one STI in the prior 12 months; of these, 59.3% reported two or more STIs. STI in the prior 12 months for FILM was associated with: high frequency of hanging out on the street; high acculturation; low quality of spousal relationship; high drug connectedness with relatives, high lifetime drug use, high anxiety and low utilization of health and social services (Full Model X2 = 63.04, Nagelkerke R2 = .463, p < .001).

Conclusions: STI risk reduction initiatives for FILM must take into consideration: 1) the impact that drug usage has in close kinship networks by augmenting the STI risk during re-entry; 2) addressing anxiety as fundamental mechanism in increasing STI risk for FILM; and, 3) the importance of enhancing kinship networks to address drug dependence, informational support regarding STI, early screening and sexual decision-making.