|
|
|
|
|
Cynthia M. Lakon, MPH and Susan T. Ennett, PhD. Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 109 Timber Hollow Ct#249, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, 919-969-9296, lakon@email.unc.edu
Drug injector social networks are a primary social space in which risky needle use behaviors occur, but the mechanisms through which social networks influence risky needle use are not well understood. This study investigated mechanisms through which injection drug users’ social networks influence risky needle use behaviors associated with HIV transmission. Mechanisms investigated were the mediating roles of social regulation and social support in explaining associations between various network characteristics and risky needle use. The network characteristics included structural (i.e., size and density), interactional (i.e., multiplexity and closeness), and normative characteristics (i.e., norms for safe needle use and network injection drug use). Data for this secondary analysis are from a study of HIV risk and protective behaviors of young women and their peers, ages 15 to 23, who were either injection drug users and/or their sexual partners (N=275). Three types of networks were constructed for each respondent using information they provided about those with whom they injected drugs, hung out, and had sex. Tests for mediation were conducted using probit and multiple linear regression. Social regulation partially meditated the relationship between multiplexity and risky needle use (p=.08) for drug networks. Emotional support partially mediated the relationship between network size and risky needle use (p=.02), fully mediated the relationship between network closeness and risky needle use (p=.006), and partially mediated the relationship between multiplexity and risky needle use (p=.04) for sex partner networks. Findings suggest targeting sex partners for interventions to promote risk reduction strategies via reinforcement with emotional support.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Intravenous Drug Use, Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.