HIV risk networks and HIV transmission among injecting drug users

The objective of this study was to demonstrate how injecting drug users' (I DC's) HIV risk networks affect their risk for infection with HIV and influe nce their HIV risk behaviors. Concepts utilized in a network approach M;ere specified. These concepts included: (I)the distinction between risk networ ks (thr people with or among whom IDUs-or others at risk of infection with HIV-engage in HIV risk behaviors) and social influence networks (the people who shape each others behavior), (2) the extent to which risk networks and social influence networks overlap. and (3) three levels of network analysi s, i.e. the dyad, personal networks, and sociometric networks. The role of IDUs' risk networks in the transmission of HIV and their influence on promo ting and preventing HIV risk behaviors were illustrated by reviewing studie s of IDUs in New York City as well as other locations. Conclusions indicate that the network approach is a developing area in research on the relation ship between injecting drug use and HIV risk. This approach provides a basi s for deepening our understanding of this relationship, and could increase our ability to prevent the further spread of HIV among IDUs as well as thei r sex partners. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.