Regression equations using estimates by Holmberg (AJPH, 1996) of (a) the percent of metropolitan area populations who engage in injection drug use (IDU) and of (b) HIV prevalence and (c) HIV incidence among metropolitan-area IDUs have shown that each of these (a, b, and c) is positively associated with income inequality in the metropolitan area (Friedman et al, in press, Global Research Network). Black residential racial segregation is associated with HIV prevalence among IDUs in additional analyses. Using network data collected in the early 1990s among IDUs in Brooklyn, we have shown that members of the Seidman 2-core of the largest connected risk-network component are more likely than other IDUs to be HIV+ and anti-HBc+, and also to engage in receptive syringe sharing, receptive backloading, and other risk behaviors. Possible mechanisms that might link structural inequality, networks, behaviors, and infections may include complex social pathways that link corporate power and popular mobilization to structural inequality and to the extent to which governments focus on punitive responses to drug users (and perhaps to same-sex sex and prostitution), and thence link these to the need for furtive behaviors and networks among IDUs that in turn affect infection rates. Causal pathways may also involve impacts of corporate power and popular mobilization on social support, individualism, scapegoating, and social solidarity; and these too may affect network structures and behaviors.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. List relationships that have been found between social inequalities and HIV. 2. List relationships that have been found between social networks and both HIV and other sexually- and blood-borne infections 3. Conceptualize causal pathways that might link social inequalities to social networks (and/or behaviors) and thus to HIV and other infections.
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.