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Phillips Ii G, Rodriguez-Ortiz AE, Adewumi OM, Banner K, Adetunji A, Awolude OA, Olayinka OA, Simons LM, Hultquist JF, Ozer EA, Kapogiannis B, Kuhns LM, Garofalo R, Taiwo B, Birkett M, Lorenzo-Redondo R. Social/Sexual Networks of People Newly Diagnosed with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:300-309. [PMID: 37812271 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in Nigeria are ten times more likely to be living with HIV-1 than other young men. Due to stigma and criminalization of same-sex sexual behavior, YMSM sexual networks are likely to overlap with those of the general population, leading to a generalized HIV-1 epidemic. Due to limited research on social/sexual network dynamics related to HIV-1 in Nigeria, our study focused on YMSM and sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of collecting social and sexual network data in Network Canvas from individuals newly diagnosed with HIV-1 in Ibadan, Nigeria. The Network Canvas software was piloted at three sites in Ibadan, Nigeria to collect social/sexual network data from 151 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV-1. Our study sample included 37.7% YMSM; participants reported a mean of 2.6 social alters and 2.6 sexual alters. From the 151 egos and 634 alters, 85 potential unique individuals (194 total) were identified; 65 egos/alters were collapsed into 25 unique individuals. Our success collecting network data from individuals newly diagnosed with HIV-1 in Ibadan demonstrates clear feasibility and acceptability of the approach and the use of Network Canvas to capture and manage these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Phillips Ii
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | | | - Katelyn Banner
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adedotun Adetunji
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Lacy M Simons
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judd F Hultquist
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Egon A Ozer
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bill Kapogiannis
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Babafemi Taiwo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Northwestern University Institute for Global Health, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Copen CE, Rushmore J, De Voux A, Kirkcaldy RD, Fakile YF, Tilchin C, Duchen J, Jennings JM, Spahnie M, Norris Turner A, Miller WC, Novak RM, Schneider JA, Trotter AB, Bernstein KT. Factors Associated with Syphilis Transmission and Acquisition Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Protocol for a Multi-Site Egocentric Network Study (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40095. [PMID: 36331528 PMCID: PMC9675014 DOI: 10.2196/40095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, the rates of primary and secondary syphilis have increased more rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) than among any other subpopulation. Rising syphilis rates among MSM reflect changes in both individual behaviors and the role of sexual networks (eg, persons linked directly or indirectly by sexual contact) in the spread of the infection. Decades of research examined how sexual networks influence sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among MSM; however, few longitudinal data sources focusing on syphilis have collected network characteristics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with 3 sites, enrolled a prospective cohort of MSM in 3 US cities to longitudinally study sexual behaviors and STIs, including HIV, for up to 24 months. OBJECTIVE The Network Epidemiology of Syphilis Transmission (NEST) study aimed to collect data on the factors related to syphilis transmission and acquisition among MSM. METHODS The NEST study was a prospective cohort study that enrolled 748 MSM in Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; and Columbus, Ohio. NEST recruitment used a combination of convenience sampling, venue-based recruitment, and respondent-driven sampling approaches. At quarterly visits, participants completed a behavioral questionnaire and were tested for syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The participants also provided a list of their sexual partners and described their 3 most recent partners in greater detail. RESULTS The NEST participants were enrolled in the study from July 2018 to December 2021. At baseline, the mean age of the participants was 31.5 (SD 9.1) years. More than half (396/727. 54.5%) of the participants were non-Hispanic Black, 29.8% (217/727) were non-Hispanic White, and 8.8% (64/727) were Hispanic or Latino. Multiple recruitment strategies across the 3 study locations, including respondent-driven sampling, clinic referrals, flyers, and social media advertisements, strengthened NEST participation. Upon the completion of follow-up visits in March 2022, the mean number of visits per participant was 5.1 (SD 3.2; range 1-9) in Baltimore, 2.2 (SD 1.6; range 1-8) in Chicago, and 7.2 (SD 2.9; range 1-9) in Columbus. Using a community-based participatory research approach, site-specific staff were able to draw upon collaborations with local communities to address stigma concerning STIs, particularly syphilis, among potential NEST participants. Community-led efforts also provided a forum for staff to describe the NEST study objectives and plans for research dissemination to the target audience. Strategies to bolster data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic included telehealth visits (all sites) and adaptation to self-collection of STI specimens (Baltimore only). CONCLUSIONS Data from NEST will be used to address important questions regarding individual and partnership-based sexual risk behaviors among MSM, with the goal of informing interventions to prevent syphilis in high-burden areas. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/40095.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey E Copen
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Julie Rushmore
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alex De Voux
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Robert D Kirkcaldy
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yetunde F Fakile
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Carla Tilchin
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessica Duchen
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jacky M Jennings
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Morgan Spahnie
- Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - William C Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Richard M Novak
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John A Schneider
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Andrew B Trotter
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kyle T Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Rudolph AE, Young AM. Privacy and Confidentiality Considerations for Collecting HIV Risk Network Data among Men who Have Sex with Men and Implications for Constructing Valid Risk Networks. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2021; 67:47-54. [PMID: 34712004 PMCID: PMC8547314 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies aiming to construct risk networks have historically collected network members' names, demographic characteristics and relational data (i.e., type, strength, duration, frequency of interaction, and HIV-related risk behaviors between the pair). Due to difficulties in constructing risk networks stemming from partner anonymity and the use of nicknames, some studies also collect network members' screen names, phone numbers, physical attributes, and scars/tattoos to assist with entity resolution. In-depth interviews with 20 men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kentucky assessed privacy/confidentiality concerns as well as accuracy/recall issues associated with providing these details. Most preferred providing alters' nicknames/first names only or a first name with the first letter of the last name. Many perceived screen names, phone numbers, and scars/tattoos to be too personal/identifying. Willingness to provide more detailed information varied by relationship type/strength, which could influence the validity of the resulting network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia PA
| | - April M. Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington KY
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington KY
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Sterrett-Hong EM, Birkett M, Kuhns L, Zhang D, Mustanski B. The Impact of Closeness to Non-Parental Adults in Social Networks on Substance Use among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2021; 68:1727-1744. [PMID: 31902312 PMCID: PMC7334073 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1705670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Non-parental adults (NPAs), or adults in social networks other than parents and romantic/sexual partnersare an under-examined potential resource in the lives of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Using survey and social network data from a sample (n = 169) of ethnically diverse YMSM in a Midwestern city, this article examines longitudinal associations between emotional closeness to NPAs and subsequent substance use among YMSM. After controlling for race/ethnicity, closer relationships with NPAs were associated with a lower likelihood of binge-drinking and marijuana use six months later. In an exploratory set of analyses, the level of connectedness between NPAs and other members of social networks was not associated with substance use. Future studies should continue to examine the protective role of NPAs for both substance use and other health behaviors among YMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Sterrett-Hong
- Couple and Family Therapy Program, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Donghang Zhang
- Couple and Family Therapy Program, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Birkett M, Melville J, Janulis P, Phillips G, Contractor N, Hogan B. Network Canvas: Key decisions in the design of an interviewer assisted network data collection software suite. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2021; 66:114-124. [PMID: 34054204 PMCID: PMC8153363 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Self-reported social network analysis studies are often complex and burdensome, both during the interview process itself, and when conducting data management following the interview. Through funding obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH), our team developed the Network Canvas suite of software - a set of complementary tools that are designed to simplify the collection and storage of complex social network data, with an emphasis on usability and accessibility across platforms and devices, and guided by the practical needs of researchers. The suite consists of three applications: Architect: an application for researchers to design and export interview protocols; Interviewer: a touch-optimized application for loading and administering interview protocols to study participants; and Server: an application for researchers to manage the interview deployment process and export their data for analysis. Together, they enable researchers with minimal technological expertise to access a complete research workflow, by building their own network interview protocols, deploying these protocols widely within a variety of contexts, and immediately attaining the resulting data from a secure central location. In this paper, we outline the critical decisions taken in developing this suite of tools for the network research community. We also describe the work which guides our decision-making, including prior experiences and key discovery events. We focus on key design choices, taken for theoretical, philosophical, and pragmatic reasons, and outline their strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Birkett
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Chicago, IL
| | - J Melville
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Chicago, IL
| | - P Janulis
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Chicago, IL
| | - G Phillips
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Chicago, IL
| | - N Contractor
- Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Department of Management and Organizations, Evanston, IL
| | - B Hogan
- University of Oxford, Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford, UK
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Friedman SR, Williams L, Young AM, Teubl J, Paraskevis D, Kostaki E, Latkin C, German D, Mateu-Gelabert P, Guarino H, Vasylyeva TI, Skaathun B, Schneider J, Korobchuk A, Smyrnov P, Nikolopoulos G. Network Research Experiences in New York and Eastern Europe: Lessons for the Southern US in Understanding HIV Transmission Dynamics. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2018; 15:283-292. [PMID: 29905915 PMCID: PMC6010197 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper presents an overview of different kinds of risk and social network methods and the kinds of research questions each can address. RECENT FINDINGS It also reviews what network research has discovered about how network characteristics are associated with HIV and other infections, risk behaviors, preventive behaviors, and care, and discusses some ways in which network-based public health interventions have been conducted. Based on this, risk and social network research and interventions seem both feasible and valuable for addressing the many public health and social problems raised by the widespread use of opioids in the US South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R Friedman
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA.
| | - Leslie Williams
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer Teubl
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kostaki
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle German
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Honoria Guarino
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Britt Skaathun
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine and Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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"Everybody Puts Their Whole Life on Facebook": Identity Management and the Online Social Networks of LGBTQ Youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15061078. [PMID: 29861439 PMCID: PMC6025558 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth and young adults almost inevitably “come out”, or self-disclose their identity to others. Some LGBTQ youth are more uniformly “out”, while others may disclose to some groups but not others. This selective disclosure is complicated on real name social media sites, which tend to encourage a unified presentation of self across social contexts. We explore these complications with a cohort of LBGTQ youth on Facebook (N = 199, Mage = 24.13). Herein we ask: How do LBGTQ youth manage the disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to different people in their lives? Further, are there identifiable differences in the online social network structure for LGBTQ youth who manage outness in different ways? Finally, how do LGBTQ young people describe their experiences on Facebook? We answer these questions using a mixed methods approach, combining statistical cluster analysis, network visualization, and qualitative data. Our findings illustrate patterns in network structure by outness cluster type, highlighting both the work involved in managing one’s online identity as well as the costs to (semi-) closeted individuals including a considerably lower overall network connectivity. In particular, outness to family characterized LGBTQ young people’s experiences on Facebook.
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Janulis P, Feinstein BA, Phillips G, Newcomb ME, Birkett M, Mustanski B. Sexual Partner Typologies and the Association Between Drug Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:259-271. [PMID: 28194606 PMCID: PMC5554732 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Numerous partner and relationship characteristics are associated with sexual risk behavior among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), including being in a serious relationship and having older partners. However, most research in this area is limited by its reliance on variable-centered approaches. Using multilevel latent class analysis, this study identified subgroups of sexual partner types with a particular emphasis on examining whether partner type moderated the association between drug use and condomless anal sex (CAS). Data were utilized from an ongoing cohort study of YMSM (ages 16-29) recruited from previous studies as well as peers and serious partners of existing cohort members. A total of 469 participants reported on 1596 sexual partners in the past 6 months. We identified four distinct sexual partner typologies, which we refer to as: casual, older-online, much older, and serious. Results indicated that rates of CAS were highest for older-online and serious partners. Additionally, there was a positive association between drug use and CAS among a predominantly marijuana using sample, but only for serious partners. While previous research has found that CAS is highest in serious relationships, findings suggest that there may be another type of partnership in which CAS is likely to occur (older partners met online). If confirmed, these results suggest interventions focused on the intersection of marijuana use and CAS may be particularly important among YMSM with serious partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Brian A Feinstein
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Phillips G, Janulis P, Mustanski B, Birkett M. Validation of tie corroboration and reported alter characteristics among a sample of young men who have sex with men. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2017; 48:250-255. [PMID: 28503021 PMCID: PMC5423666 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The differences between direct ties (i.e., ties between a respondent and their nominees) and ties between nominees (indirect) are key to understanding network structure, yet remain understudied. Within a sample of 175 young men who have sex with men, we explored the corroboration of sex and drug ties, and factors associated with corroboration. The majority of instances in which there was no corroboration for either sex or drug ties was due to one individual not appearing in another respondent's network. When an individual did appear in another respondent's network, direct sex and drug ties were corroborated in most cases. We also found that more indirect sex ties were corroborated than direct sex ties (95.7% vs. 88.9%), but the reverse was true for indirect versus direct drug ties (73.1% vs. 84.1%). Strength of relationship and frequency of communication were both associated with confirmed direct ties, but not with indirect ties. Based on these findings, we recommend that direct and indirect ties be treated differently in network analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Phillips
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patrick Janulis
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medical Social Sciences, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Hogan B, Melville JR, Philips GL, Janulis P, Contractor N, Mustanski BS, Birkett M. Evaluating the Paper-to-Screen Translation of Participant-Aided Sociograms with High-Risk Participants. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIGCHI CONFERENCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN COMPUTING SYSTEMS. CHI CONFERENCE 2016; 2016:5360-5371. [PMID: 28018995 DOI: 10.1145/2858036.2858368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While much social network data exists online, key network metrics for high-risk populations must still be captured through self-report. This practice has suffered from numerous limitations in workflow and response burden. However, advances in technology, network drawing libraries and databases are making interactive network drawing increasingly feasible. We describe the translation of an analog-based technique for capturing personal networks into a digital framework termed netCanvas that addresses many existing shortcomings such as: 1) complex data entry; 2) extensive interviewer intervention and field setup; 3) difficulties in data reuse; and 4) a lack of dynamic visualizations. We test this implementation within a health behavior study of a high-risk and difficult-to-reach population. We provide a within-subjects comparison between paper and touchscreens. We assert that touchscreen-based social network capture is now a viable alternative for highly sensitive data and social network data entry tasks.
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Oyewale TO, Ahmed S, Ahmed F, Tazreen M, Uddin Z, Rahman A, Oyediran KA. The use of vouchers in HIV prevention, referral treatment, and care for young MSM and young transgender people in Dhaka, Bangladesh: experience from 'HIM' initiative. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2016; 11 Suppl 1:S37-45. [PMID: 26945145 PMCID: PMC4787106 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study described the effectiveness of a voucher scheme to access sexual and reproductive health and HIV services among young MSM and transgender people aged 15-24 years in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a country with HIV prevalence of less than 0.1%. METHODS Descriptive and analytical methods were used to assess the net effects of biodemographic factors of the respondents on the voucher scheme. Effectiveness of the scheme was contextualized as target population coverage, and turnaround time of voucher redemption to access services. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 210 (87.9%) out of the 239 vouchers distributed were redeemed. The mean age of the identified young people was 19.6 years (SD = +2.6 years). The coverage of the scheme against the target population of 200 young MSM and 936 young transgender people was 88% (n = 175) and 4% (n = 35) respectively, with P < 0.001. The median turnaround time for voucher redemption was 7 days. The predictors of voucher turnaround time were age, education, and population group (P < 0.001). HIV testing and counselling was accessed by 160 (76%) respondents, one was positive and linked to antiretroviral treatment and 110 (52%) were diagnosed and treated for sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSION The voucher scheme was effective in linking young MSM with sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The findings are consistent with the low HIV prevalence in the country. The scheme is, however, not optimal for linking young transgender people with services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farid Ahmed
- HIV Programme, UNICEF Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mona Tazreen
- HIV Programme, UNICEF Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ziya Uddin
- HIV Programme, United Nations Children's Fund
| | - Anisur Rahman
- National AIDS/STD Programme, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Janulis P, Birkett M, Phillips G, Mustanski B. Substance use network characteristics and drug and alcohol use behaviors among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 157:188-91. [PMID: 26483355 PMCID: PMC4663132 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) use alcohol and other drugs at rates higher than their heterosexual peers. While social networks of YMSM have been acknowledged as an important contextual influence on their health behavior, studies have largely focused on social and sexual networks rather than substance use networks, despite the potential importance of substance use alters in shaping substance use behavior. METHOD Using data collected from a diverse sample of YMSM (n=156), two multilevel models examined the associations between network (e.g., degree and transitivity), dyadic (e.g., strength of relationship), and individual characteristics and two alter level dependent variables: recent drug use (versus no recent drug use) and frequency of substance use. RESULTS Results indicated that transitivity was associated with both recent drug use (OR=1.21, p=0.012) and more frequent substance use (b=0.08, p=0.002). Degree was not significantly associated with either variable. Furthermore, participants were also less likely to have recently used drugs (OR=0.93, p<0.001) and tended to use substances less frequently (b=-0.01, p=0.028) with older alters. CONCLUSIONS Despite substantial interest in network influences on health, much remains unknown about the impact of network structures on substance use. The current findings suggest that structural characteristics of substance use networks may provide important information regarding the drug and alcohol use behavior of YMSM even when controlling for dyadic and individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625N Michigan Ave, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625N Michigan Ave, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625N Michigan Ave, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625N Michigan Ave, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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Birkett M, Kuhns LM, Latkin C, Muth S, Mustanski B. The sexual networks of racially diverse young men who have sex with men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:1787-97. [PMID: 26201650 PMCID: PMC4560982 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men are at increased risk for HIV. Research with older men and high-risk populations suggests that network dynamics may contribute to the spread of infectious disease and HIV, but little is known about the sexual networks of young men who have sex with men. Utilizing a unique dataset, this study presents novel descriptive data about the sexual networks of racially diverse 17- to 23-year-old young men who have sex with men. Additionally, individual, partner, and network characteristics of these young men who have sex with men were examined as potential drivers of HIV, STI, and unprotected intercourse. Results indicated several partner- and network-level factors associated with HIV and associated outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,
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Mustanski B, Birkett M, Kuhns LM, Latkin CA, Muth SQ. The Role of Geographic and Network Factors in Racial Disparities in HIV Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men: An Egocentric Network Study. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:1037-47. [PMID: 25430501 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize and compare individual and sexual network characteristics of Black, White, and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) as potential drivers of racial disparities in HIV. Egocentric network interviews were conducted with 175 diverse YMSM who described 837 sex partners within 167 sexual-active egos. Sexual partner alter attributes were summarized by ego. Descriptives of ego demographics, sexual partner demographics, and network characteristics were calculated by race of the ego and compared. No racial differences were found in individual engagement in HIV risk behaviors or concurrent sexual partnership. Racial differences were found in partner characteristics, including female gender, non-gay sexual orientations, older age, and residence in a high HIV prevalence neighborhood. Racial differences in relationship characteristics included type of relationships (i.e., main partner) and strength of relationships. Network characteristics also showed differences, including sexual network density and assortativity by race. Most racial differences were in the direction of effects that would tend to increase HIV incidence among Black YMSM. These data suggest that racial disparities in HIV may be driven and/or maintained by a combination of racial differences in partner characteristics, assortativity by race, and increased sexual network density, rather than differences in individual's HIV risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625 N Michigan Ave, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,
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