title: Gender differences in HIV risk behaviors among young injectors and their social network members.
abstract: Using epidemiological and social network research methods, this study examines gender differences in HIV risk and protective behaviors and social network characteristics among 193 young injection drug users (IDUs) and 127 referred members of their social networks. Respondents reported on their drug use, sexual behavior, and relationships within three types of social networks: hang out (i.e., friendship); drug use; and sexual networks. Most respondents were homeless and had experienced numerous life stressors. Females' social networks consisted more predominantly of drug injectors, and members more frequently appeared multiple networks. Females reported needle sharing more frequently than males, but also reported more protective behaviors such as needle exchange use and carrying clean syringes. Young female IDUs may compound their risk by having sex and injecting with higher risk partners. However, their propensity to practice protective behaviors may provide an opening for interventions to reduce their HIV risk and that of their social network members.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, California, USA. smontgomery@sph.llu.edu
authors.forename: Susanne B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.forename: Justeen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hyde
authors.forename: Christine Johnson
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: De Rosa
authors.forename: Louise Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rohrbach
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ennett
authors.forename: S Marie
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clatts
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Iverson
authors.forename: Michele D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Kipke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support