HIV risk behavior patterns, predictors, and sexually transmitted disease prevalence in the social networks of young Roma (Gypsy) men in Sofia, Bulgaria.
OBJECTIVE
This research studied predictors of high-risk sexual practices and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence among Roma (Gypsy) men's social networks in Sofia, Bulgaria.


METHODS
Fifty-four socially active individuals, approached in Roma neighborhood venues, recruited members (n = 296) of their own networks into the study. Participants completed sociometric and risk behavior interviews and were tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas.


RESULTS
Men had a mean of 7 partners in the past year. Fifty-nine percent had multiple partners in the past 3 months. Seventy-three percent reported recent unprotected vaginal and 51% unprotected anal intercourse. Fifty-nine percent of men had sex with other men in the past year. Twenty-two percent had one of the STDs. The social network to which an individual belonged accounted for 23% to 27% of variance in predicting sexual risk behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
One's social network was the most powerful predictor of HIV risk behavior. HIV/STD prevention interventions directed toward entire social networks are especially promising.
Kabakchieva
Elena
E
Health and Social Development Foundation, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Vassileva
Sylvia
S
Kelly
Jeffrey A
JA
Amirkhanian
Yuri A
YA
DiFranceisco
Wayne J
WJ
McAuliffe
Timothy L
TL
Antonova
Radostina
R
Mihaylova
Milena
M
Vassilev
Boyan
B
Khoursine
Roman
R
Petrova
Elena
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002031:Bulgaria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data