HIV risk behaviour patterns, predictors, and sexually transmitted disease prevalence in the social networks of young men who have sex with men in St Petersburg, Russia. Int J STD AIDS 2006 Jan;17(1):50-6
Date
01/18/2006Pubmed ID
16409680Pubmed Central ID
PMC1514189DOI
10.1258/095646206775220504Scopus ID
2-s2.0-30944446145 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 44 CitationsAbstract
HIV seroconversions and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often clustered in social networks within community populations. The present study was carried out among men who have sex with men in Russia, where a major HIV epidemic is unfolding, and where social networks have played a historically important role. In all, 38 social networks were recruited into the study, and members of all networks (n = 187) completed risk behaviour assessments and were tested for STDs. About 17% of participants had STDs, and 10% of men had syphilis. Over 64% of men had recent unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), including 51% who did so with main partners, 30% who did so with casual partners, and 32% who had UAI with multiple male partners. The strongest predictor of all risk behaviour indicators and STDs was the social network, to which an individual belonged, supplemented by peer norm perceptions and intentions to practise safer sex. There was a high level of correspondence in behaviour between the social leader of a network and its other members. Social networks should be directly targeted in HIV prevention efforts.
Author List
Amirkhanian YA, Kelly JA, Kirsanova AV, DiFranceisco W, Khoursine RA, Semenov AV, Rozmanova VNAuthors
Yuri A. Amirkhanian PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinWayne 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
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultFemale
HIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Predictive Value of Tests
Prevalence
Risk-Taking
Russia
Sexual Behavior
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Social Support
