Social network methods for endemic foci of syphilis: a pilot project.
BACKGROUND
Social network methods have improved our understanding of sexually transmitted disease transmission dynamics, and may be of use in routine field operations for partner notification.


OBJECTIVE
To augment traditional syphilis-control activities with social network methods in an Atlanta area with high syphilis morbidity.


METHODS
Disease investigators conducted interviews, used network diagrams to prioritize their work, and relied on network connections for finding hard-to-reach persons.


RESULTS
A total of 396 contacts were elicited from 48 infected and 50 uninfected persons. The cumulative prevalence of syphilis was 12.6%, and 24 persons infected with HIV were identified. Network methods disclosed a large, interconnected group (276 persons) characterized by high network centrality and the substantial presence of small, interactive subgroups (microstructures).


CONCLUSIONS
The network approach is a feasible field technique, and can identify core groups involved in the intense transmission of syphilis. The targeted, network-based approach may be useful in attempts to eliminate syphilis.
Rothenberg
R
R
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. rrothen@emory.edu
Kimbrough
L
L
Lewis-Hardy
R
R
Heath
B
B
Williams
O C
OC
Tambe
P
P
Johnson
D
D
Schrader
M
M
D000328:Adult; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012944:Social Support; D013587:Syphilis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*