Multiplex crack smoking and sexual networks: associations between network members' incarceration and HIV risks among high-risk MSM

J Behav Med. 2016 Oct;39(5):845-54. doi: 10.1007/s10865-016-9754-6. Epub 2016 Jul 14.

Abstract

This study examined HIV risks in the multiplex crack-smoking and sexual networks of incarcerated drug-using men who have sex with men (MSM) and their associates. We estimated the associations between the network members' incarceration, self-reported HIV infection, and trading sex for money. Our analytic sample consisted of 508 crack-smoking or sexual partnerships of 273 high-risk MSM. Network members were specified by (1) crack smoking and sexual behavior or (2) crack smoking only. Longer incarceration of the crack-smoking and sexual network members was associated with self-reported HIV infection (AOR = 1.61, p < 0.05), which extended up to one's partners' partners' partners (AOR = 1.63, p < 0.05). Similar results were found for trading sex (AOR = 2.77, p < 0.05). The findings of the study call for the development of a system-level HIV intervention among former incarcerated MSM and their associates.

Keywords: Criminal justice involvement; HIV STI/infection; HIV transmission networks; Men who have sex with men; Network proximity; Social network analysis; Three degrees of influence.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Causality
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Partners
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology
  • Young Adult