Social network influences on reproductive health behaviors in urban northern Thailand

Prevention approaches for reproductive health have evolved from an emphasis on individually focused models of behavior change to a recognition that ri sk reduction occurs within a context of social norms. Prevention programs c an be improved by understanding how social structure influences sexual beha vior and using that understanding to develop strategies for positive change . In a dynamic, urban context, communities are better conceptualized as inf ormal networks of ties. These network structures may help to protect, or co nversely, expose members to reproductive risk behaviors. Using data from a study of social and sexual networks conducted in northern Thailand, this ar ticle describes partner relations and social structure in the modern, urban context, and illustrates the links between individual, relational and stru ctural properties and reproductive risk behaviors. Triangulation of ethnogr aphic, survey and social network data collection and analytic tools provide an opportunity to interpret individual behaviors, meanings of relationship s and struct ural properties of networks. Intervention approaches should bu ild on existing networks, and address the complex meanings of romantic and sexual partnerships. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.