title: Sexual networks and the transmission of HIV in London.
abstract: This paper discusses ways in which empirical research investigating sexual networks can further understanding of the transmission of HIV in London, using information from a 24-month period of participant observation and 53 open-ended, in-depth interviews with eighteen men and one woman who have direct and indirect sexual links with each other. These interviews enabled the identification of a wider sexual network between 154 participants and contacts during the year August 1994-July 1995. The linked network data help to identify pathways of transmission between individuals who are HIV+ and those who are HIV-, as well as sexual links between 'older' and 'younger' men, and with male prostitutes. There appears to be considerable on-going transmission of HIV in London. The majority of participants reported having had unprotected anal and/or vaginal sex within a variety of relationships. The implications of these findings for policies designed to prevent the transmission of HIV are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Day
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*