HIV risk networks and HIV transmission among injecting drug use1rs

The objective of this study was to demonstrate how injecting drug users' (IDUs) HIV risk networks affect their risk for infection with HIV and influence their HIV risk behaviors. Concepts utilized in a network approach were specified. These concepts included: (1) the distinction between risk networks (the 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 analysis, i.e. the dyad, personal networks, and sociometric networks. The role of IDUs' risk networks in the transmission of HIV and their influence on promoting and preventing HIV risk behaviors were illustrated by reviewing studies 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 relationship between injecting drug use and HIV risk. This approach provides a basis for deepening our understanding of this relationship, and could increase our ability to prevent the further spread of HIV among IDUs as well as their sex partners.