Social networks, sexual networks and HIV risk in men who have sex with men. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2014 Mar;11(1):81-92
Date
01/05/2014Pubmed ID
24384832Pubmed Central ID
PMC3944100DOI
10.1007/s11904-013-0194-4Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84896707781 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 146 CitationsAbstract
Worldwide, men who have sex with men (MSM) remain one of the most HIV-vulnerable community populations. A global public health priority is developing new methods of reaching MSM, understanding HIV transmission patterns, and intervening to reduce their risk. Increased attention is being given to the role that MSM networks play in HIV epidemiology. This review of MSM network research studies demonstrates that: (1) Members of the same social network often share similar norms, attitudes, and HIV risk behavior levels; (2) Network interventions are feasible and powerful for reducing unprotected sex and potentially for increasing HIV testing uptake; (3) HIV vulnerability among African American MSM increases when an individual enters a high-risk sexual network characterized by high density and racial homogeneity; and (4) Networks are primary sources of social support for MSM, particularly for those living with HIV, with greater support predicting higher care uptake and adherence.
Author List
Amirkhanian YAAuthor
Yuri A. Amirkhanian PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Attitude to HealthHIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Risk-Taking
Social Behavior
Social Support
