A network analysis of YMSM: Understanding how dyadic and network characteristics of sexual and romantic partners impact sexual health

This research describes the sexual and romantic partnerships of young men who have sex with men and understanding how dyadic and network characteristics of these partnership influence individual sexual health and HIV/STI risk. 175 YMSM (Age: 17 - 23; Race: 14% White, 54% Black; 21% Latino, 11% other) completed assessments of individual risk factors of HIV/STIs and biological assessment of HIV/STIs. In-depth network interviews were also completed, with three types of networks being collected from each participant: core support network, substance-using network, and sexual network. Participants were allowed to name up to 40 alters within the interview, then further information was elicited on relationship characteristics including demographic information about the partner, the type and strength of relationship, and risk behaviors. Participants reported a total of 3390 network members, with each participant having on average 14.7 core support network members and 8.0 sex network members. 46% of participants named a romantic partner and 82% named a current sex partner (in the last 6 months). Concurrent sexual relationships were common, as well as sexual partnerships with individuals who were not within participant core support networks. Biological testing administered at the time of the network interview indicated the sample was 10.9% HIV positive, 5.1% positive for Chlamydia, and 2.9% positive for Gonorrhea. Preliminary results show that differences both dyadic and network characteristics of these sex partnerships relate to sexual health, HIV risk behaviors, and psycho-social outcomes and may account for increased HIV/STIs in the YMSM population.