Journal Article

Explaining HIV Risk Multiplexity: A Social Network Analysis

Koku, Emmanuel, Felsher, Marisa

2018

Overview

Risk multiplexity (i.e., overlap in drug-use, needle exchange and sexual relations) is a known risk factor for HIV. However, little is known about predictors of multiplexity. This study uses egocentric data from the Colorado Springs study to examine how individual, behavioral and social network factors influence engagement in multiplex risk behavior. Analyses revealed that compared to Whites, Hispanics were significantly more likely to engage in risk multiplexity and Blacks less so. Respondents who were similar to each other (e.g., in terms of race) had significantly higher odds of being in risk multiplex relationships, and respondents’ risk perceptions and network size were significantly associated with engaging in multiplex risk behaviors. Findings from interaction analysis showed the effect of knowing someone with HIV on the odds of multiplexity depends partly on whether respondents’ know their HIV status. Findings suggest that demographics, HIV behaviors and network factors impact engagement in multiplex risk behaviors, highlighting the need for multi-level interventions aimed at reducing HIV risk behavior.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome / AIDS / Behavior / Black people / Black white relations / Demographics / Demography / Drug abuse / Health risk assessment / Health risks / HIV / Human immunodeficiency virus / Interaction analysis / Latin American cultural groups / Multiplexing / Needle exchange programs / Network analysis / Race / Respondents / Risk analysis / Risk behavior / Risk factors / Risk perception / Sexual behavior / Sexually transmitted diseases / Social factors / Social network analysis / Social networks / Social organization / STD / White people