Abstract
Sexually active non-injection drug users in New York City and their sexual partners or fellow drug users (N = 264) were recruited from 2002 to 2005, and associations between social network characteristics and sexual risk behaviors were examined. We assessed social networks, sexual practices, and drug use. Results suggest having a drug-centered social network, i.e., a network that includes a high proportion of individuals who provide, receive, or use drugs, increases the risk of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors. The study's limitations are noted and longitudinal studies are needed to ascertain whether these associations are causal. Funding was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1629-1649 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Substance Use and Misuse |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2007 |
Keywords
- Drug users
- High-risk sexual behaviors
- Non-injecting drug users (NIDUs)
- Personal networks
- Social networks
- Social support
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Medicine (miscellaneous)