Social Network Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men

The objectives of this study were to describe demographic factors and self-reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, as well as to explore to what extent social factors were associated with self-reported STIs among formerly incarcerated Latino men (FILM) in New York City. FILM ages 18 to 49 years old (N = 259) who had been incarcerated within the past 5 years completed a closed-ended, self-administered survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association among social network factors (i.e., friends, spouses, relatives, parents) and self-reported STIs in the prior 12 months. More than one third (35.1%) of the sample reported at least one STI in the prior 12 months. Friendship networks were protective against STI risk. In our bivariate and multivariate models, having an STI in the prior 12 months for FILM was associated with: low quality of spousal relationship and high drug connectedness with relatives. STI risk reduction initiatives for FILM should consider: (1) the effect that drug use has on close kinship networks to increase STI risk during reentry, and (2) the potential of targeting friendship and kinship networks (i.e., spouses, family, relatives) to address drug dependence through peer and group counseling.