Faculty Collaboration Database

HIV risk behavior patterns, predictors, and sexually transmitted disease prevalence in the social networks of young Roma (Gypsy) men in Sofia, Bulgaria. Sex Transm Dis 2006 Aug;33(8):485-90

Date

04/28/2006

Pubmed ID

16641823

DOI

10.1097/01.olq.0000204533.20324.56

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-33746408087 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   26 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES AND GOAL: This research studied predictors of high-risk sexual practices and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence among Roma (Gypsy) men's social networks in Sofia, Bulgaria.

STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-four socially active individuals, approached in Roma neighborhood venues, recruited members (n = 296) of their own networks into the study. Participants completed sociometric and risk behavior interviews and were tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas.

RESULTS: Men had a mean of 7 partners in the past year. Fifty-nine percent had multiple partners in the past 3 months. Seventy-three percent reported recent unprotected vaginal and 51% unprotected anal intercourse. Fifty-nine percent of men had sex with other men in the past year. Twenty-two percent had one of the STDs. The social network to which an individual belonged accounted for 23% to 27% of variance in predicting sexual risk behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: One's social network was the most powerful predictor of HIV risk behavior. HIV/STD prevention interventions directed toward entire social networks are especially promising.

Author List

Kabakchieva E, Vassileva S, Kelly JA, Amirkhanian YA, DiFranceisco WJ, McAuliffe TL, Antonova R, Mihaylova M, Vassilev B, Khoursine R, Petrova E

Authors

Yuri A. Amirkhanian PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Wayne J. DiFranceisco Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy L. McAuliffe PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Bulgaria
HIV Infections
Humans
Male
Prevalence
Risk-Taking
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Social Support
Surveys and Questionnaires
Transients and Migrants